Tips for Creating an Edible Garden

The Ins and Outs of Selecting and Planting Bare Root Fruit Trees

16 July 2021 by Sherri Williams

Are you a lover of gardens? Having an orchard in your backyard is worth considering. However, with many fruit tree options available in the markets, finding the right one may be challenging unless you are an avid grower of fruits. If you are a newbie and still getting your way around fruit growing, you must be careful when choosing fruit trees for your orchard. Bare root fruit trees are among the options you will find. As the name implies, the trees do not come potted. Instead, they are harvested in their dormancy stage, and the soil is removed from the roots. They are then preserved until ready for planting. They come with many benefits like faster growth, long-term health and cost savings. Here is all you need to know about choosing and planting bare root fruit trees.

Selection

Selection will first depend on the kind of fruit trees you need for your orchard. Generally, like all trees, fruit trees are best suited for different climates. Therefore, make sure the fruit trees you choose are ideal for your climate, and you can seek advice when buying them from the nursery or farm supply. The size of trees you also want matters, and this may be influenced by where you live. For instance, if you need your fruit trees that provide shade too, request standard-sized fruit trees. Depending on where you live, you may have to go for semi-dwarf or dwarf plants. If you live in the city where space tends to be limited, dwarf fruit trees may be the ideal choice. For suburban yards, go for semi-dwarf fruit tree varieties.

Location

Choosing where to plant your bare root fruit trees is also imperative. To do this, consider aspects like wind, soil type, sun exposure and shade. In what direction does the prevailing wind blow? Are there structures like walls that could help protect your fruit trees from excess wind? Check whether your roof is likely to shed snow onto your plants and wreak havoc in winter. Ensure your pick a location that will allow your trees to be exposed to the sun. Free-draining soil tends to be ideal for most plants. Therefore, consider doing soil tests to ensure they are perfect for your trees.

Timing

Timing is crucial when it comes to planting bare-root plants. Bare root fruit trees are generally prepared during their dormancy stage. However, they don't remain dormant forever. Their dormancy tends to end when they start encountering the sun and heat. Therefore, the ideal time to plant them would be the end of winter or the start of spring. 

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