Getting started
Planting and staking new trees
A short checklist for getting young trees off to a good start.
Relevant stages: Delayed Dormancy, Green Tip.
- Dig a wide hole rather than a very deep one, and keep roots spread out.
- Keep the graft union about 6 inches above the soil surface, as the SKUAST guide advises. Burying it can cause problems.
- Stake newly planted trees so wind does not rock the roots.
- Avoid injuring the collar region (where trunk meets soil) during digging, weeding or mowing.
- Water in well after planting, then keep moisture even, not soggy.
- Watch that new leaves appear. If they fail to, inspect the roots.
- In soils where root rot is a problem, a Trichoderma drench is recommended at green tip.
General guidance. Always read product labels and consult an agronomist for problems specific to your orchard.
