Fruit trees are easier to grow than most people think. Properly maintained and cared for they provide some extremely satisfying results in the way of fresh fruit, eaten as required at a significantly lower cost than the supermarket can provide.

Give careful thought as to what you are going to grow and allow sufficient space for the foliage to fully develop.

Position:
Fruit trees enjoy an open sunny position, sheltered from strong winds. They will grow in a wide range of soil types as long as there is good drainage.

Compost and other organic matter dug in before and after planting will assist soil fertility and provide a good balance to both lighter and heavier soils.

How to plant:

Fruit trees are best planted in winter while growth is dormant.

Dig a hole slightly deeper than the root depth and allow at least 150mm (6 inches) of clearance around all the roots.

Mix some compost with some soil in the bottom of the hole and apply a slow release fertilizer such as Yates Magamp – this fertilizer is good for up to two years and will give your fruit tree a jolly good start in life.

Create a small mound at the bottom of the hole and spread the roots around this before filling the hole in.

Use a stout stick or the handle of a hoe or other garden tool to tamp down the soil so the tree is very firmly positioned in the garden. If required use a stout stake to support the tree but ensure the material you use to tie the tree is flexible and will not cut into the trunk as the tree grows.  There are various commercial tree ties available from our Garden Centre which will avoid any worries in this area.

Make sure the “graft” is above the soil level – this will be very noticeable on the trunk of the tree above the roots.

Water well when finished.

How to care for your Fruit  Tree:

Each autumn and early spring use a general fertilizer such as Yates Thrive – General Purpose  as a top dressing, spreading it over the ground area covered by the foliage. This can be lightly dug in - avoiding any contact with the root system.

Watering is very important when establishing new trees, as is regular watering in dry periods over spring and summer. Give occasional deep soakings.

Fruit trees are subject to disease and these seem to be more prevalent in warm humid weather. They can also be attacked by insects and other bugs.

There are sprays that can be applied in winter after pruning such as winter oils and sprays that can be applied prior to fruit setting. As there are different sprays for different species it pays to talk to our staff who are qualified to give advice – you may also wish to consider organic type sprays.

Pruning:

The main aims of pruning are as follows and if you can envisage these factors in your mind before proceeding you will find your task is much easier – prune once all leaves have dropped – usually late July to early August.

• Encourage the renewal of new growth by keeping the tree to a rounded compact shape
• Cut out all old wood and all diseased wood – always cut below the dead or diseased section
• Cut out all inward growing wood and aim to let light into the tree
• Bear in mind that you want to provide strong growth to support heavy crops of fruit
  

Make sure your secateurs are very sharp  and cut just above each growth bud just as you do when pruning roses.

If you have large cuts it is advisable to apply a pruning paint such as Yates Basceal – this will seal the cut and prevent moisture and or disease from entering the tree.

The following trees have specific pruning requirements:

Apple Trees / Pear Trees / Cherry Trees / Plum Trees

Apart from pruning each year to maintain the desired shape it should only be necessary to remove excessive “twiggy” type growth. Apple trees usually produce their fruit on the short stubby growths attached to main branches. They will continue to do this for many years.

Peach & Nectarine Trees

These trees flower on new wood made the previous summer so you need to cut back quite aggressively to encourage new growth. If you don’t fruit will be produced further and further out on the branches each year. Be careful not to remove too many flower buds or the current season’s crop will suffer. Flower buds are plump while growth buds are flatter.

Citrus Trees

These trees need to be cared for in many different ways. Also they can be planted in pots for both effect and are thus suitable for growing where there is not as much area – they can be very effective on patios and courtyards.

• Use fertilizers formulated for Citrus Trees – be aware that there are specific fertilizers for citrus trees grown in containers
• Make sure you water constantly as they do not like their roots drying out
• They do not require a lot of pruning other than for shaping and controlling height
• If planted in pots at some stage they will need to be re-potted into a larger pot as they will eventually get root bound
• Watch out for pests and diseases and spray accordingly – try and use organic sprays if possible