Planting a pot-grown tree

(Chris-)

Make sure it really is pot grown, not a bare root tree which has recently been stuck in a pot. Check when you buy it.
Best to plant in winter. Can plant anytime, but spring is better than summer. The more into summer you get year you plant, the more water they will need in the first year and a half.
MAKE SURE THE ENDS OF THE ROOTS ARE POINTING OUTWARDS, not going round and round.
Follow instructions 2-11 for bare-root trees.
Pruning may be quite different; the tree is probably 2 years old. If it already has about 4 main branches, but no sub-branches, cut about a third off each branch in winter or early spring. Make a slightly sloping cut with very sharp secateurs, just above an outward-facing bud. Or get advice! (-Chris)

Keywords: gardening, fruit trees, winter, spring

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Last Modified 11/5/05 6:32 PM