Tree and Shrub Planting

·         Dig a rough square hole, wider than the root ball, and just deep enough to plant the tree so it ends up in the soil at the same level as it was in the pot

·         Reserve the topsoil you’ve removed, shovel it in to a wheel barrow, or other large container

·         For fruit trees, blackberries and grapes you can enrich this topsoil with compost, rock phosphate and worm castings, and expanded shale (save this to finish your planting)

·         Fill your hole with water and allow it to drain through

·         Water your tree well, gently remove from pot and loosen the roots

·         Sprinkle the Mycor packet in the hole, so that it will make contact with the root stock

·         Place tree in the hole, stand back and see if it’s placed the way you want

·         Begin back filing with the reserved/amended topsoil, and gently firm in , not stomping or packing

·        Top dress with compost, 12/2” to 1” deep, starting at the root ball and extending 10-12” out all the way around

·        Mulch well with 2-3’ of cedar or hardwood

·        Water in well, using a root stimulator like liquid seaweed is advised

*VERY IMPORTANT

·         Do not allow the crown of the tree or shrub to be covered with any type of materials – this includes mulches, compost, extra soil

·         Take very good care of the bark surface – no weed whacking near young trees

·         Water deeply at least once a week.  Turn the hose on low flow and place over root ball, and allow to saturate for 30 minutes

General Pruning

Objectives of Pruning

·         To create an open, well branched tree, so that all the fruit sees sunlight, has good air circulation and cuts down on disease and bugs

·         To allow food and water a shorter distance to travel, thus improving the yield and quality of the fruit

·         Keeps the tree at the workable area for harvesting

When to Prune Fruit Trees

·         Generally in February right before bud-swell

·        Major limb removal should be done around Christmas

When Pruning a Fruit tree the flowing branches should be removed

·       All dead and damaged wood

·         Any limbs that are rubbing or will eventually rub

·        Any suckers or water sports

·        All shorts that grow toward the inside of the tree

·         Limbs and shoots below four feet