You have decided to buy and plant a new fruit tree. You know what type of tree you want and you have figured out where you want to plant it. Now it is time to go to the nursery to pick out your tree.

When shopping for a fruit tree, choose a tree that appears strong and healthy. Next make certain to take care when moving it from the nursery into your vehicle, as it can easily be damaged.

Now it is time to plant your new tree. Look at the bottom and visually or physically measure the the roots. The size of the rootball will tell you how large the hole needs to be for your tree. Dig a hole twice as wide as, and slightly shallower than, the root ball. Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole with a pick or shovel so that roots can penetrate the soil. This will ensure that the tree has adequate room for the roots which can then easily expand into the surrounding area.

Before you plant the tree into it's new space, put down a layer of organic fertilizer in the bottom of the hole. This will provide your new tree with easy access to nutrients needed to grow well. Eventually the tree's roots will form a great nutrient gathering network. After placing your tree into the hole, fill in the remaining space with the dirt that you removed. Use any extra soil to fill in and build up the surrounding area. You want to provide the young tree with extra support, until the roots are able to take hold. Form a temporary water basin - build a circular mound of soil around the base of the tree - to encourage water penetration. Water thoroughly after planting.

It maybe necessary to provide additional support for the trunk of the tree, you can tie it with some rope to a post or stake driven into the ground. Doing this will help keep the trunk straight, and help prevent damage to the tree due to wind. You will need to leave this support system in place until the tree is strong enough to "stand on it’s own." You don’t want the wind to break it in half during your next thunderstorm, so be sure to support your tree.

Staking also supports the tree until the roots are well established to properly anchor it. Staking should allow for some movement of the tree. After the tree is well established, you must remove all support wires. Leaving the support wires or ropes on can girdle the tree, cutting into the trunk and eventually killing your investment of time, money, water and sunshine.

Spread fresh mulch around the base of the tree, a 3-foot diameter circle of mulch is common. This helps the soil to retain moisture, keeps the weeds down and provides nourishment. Placing a temporary wire fence around the tree to prevent animals from chewing on the bark maybe required. Such damage could kill your young tree.

For the first year or two, especially after a week or more of especially hot or dry weather, watch your trees closely for signs of moisture stress. If the tree's leaves are wilting or the soil becomes hard and caked soil, water the trees well, but slowly, allowinng the water to soak in deeply. This will encourage deep root growth.

Most types of fruit trees need about three to five years to mature and start producing fruit. Observe carefully as your first crop comes in and pick the fruit from the tree as soon as possible. You want to keep the branches from becoming too heavy, which could cause them to bend and break, damaging your tree. Most trees are cyclic in how they produce. One year you will get more fruit than you pick. Another year where you barely get any fruit at all. This is normal and is why larger orchards have trees of various ages to balance out individual high and lows in production.

Keep an eye on your young tree. Look for signs of pests or disease. Make sure your tree gets the right amount of water and nutrients based on the species you have planted. Be vigilent while it is most fragile. Soon, your tree will take hold, growing larger and stronger. And before you know it, you will be picking your first harvest from your own fruit bearing tree in the back yard!

About the Author:  Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Sherlock Holmes Pastiches, Harvest The Sun | Renewable Energy, Grilled To Perfection - Barbecue, Coin Collector's Dream, and Bonsai Tree Store.

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