Looking after newly planted fruit trees

(Chris-)

Trees need lots of water in the first summer. Put about a bucketful on once a week, unless there is very heavy rain.
Stakes, ties, labels and fences can damage trees. Check your tree every few months. If anything is rubbing or cutting into the bark, move it or loosen it.
Stakes sometimes pull trees to one side; adjust the ties regularly.
Take the stakes away after about three years.
Weeds, especially grass, stop young trees growing. Keep a wide circle of earth free round the tree for a few years.
If your tree tries to fruit in the first year, stop it! Pick off all the little fruits by June (you can leave one if you like!). This gives time for the roots and branches to grow.
Prune apples and pears the next winter, plums and cherries the second early spring. The aim is to create four main branches in all directions. Ideally they grow at an angle of 45 degrees. If you are a member of Balsall Heath Jungle, ask for advice on pruning. Or Contact Us (-Chris)

Keywords: gardening, fruit trees

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Last Modified 11/5/05 6:34 PM