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Planting fruit trees – when and how to do it in autumn?

Planting fruit trees is an important step when establishing your own orchard. Autumn is the best time for this task, as weather conditions favour the rooting of young plants. The soil is warm and moist, and air temperature is stable, which minimises stress on the seedling. Thanks to this, trees can begin acclimatisation before winter and start vigorous growth in spring. What is more, autumn is a time of lower pest and disease activity, which further increases the chances of the plant taking root.

Why plant fruit trees in autumn?

First of all, intensive watering is not necessary – moisture in the soil is retained naturally. Secondly, trees planted in autumn cope better with summer droughts the following year, because they have time to develop a strong root system. It is also worth adding that planting at this time does not interfere with other gardening work.

Importantly, autumn planting is less labour-intensive – there is no need to water daily, and the soil retains moisture better.

How to plant fruit trees correctly?

Choose a sunny and airy location.
Dig a hole twice as large as the root ball.
Add compost or composted manure to the soil.
Place the tree in the hole so that the grafting point is above the ground level.
Fill in, gently firm the soil and water thoroughly.
Finally, apply mulch (e.g. straw, bark, sawdust).

Which species to plant in autumn?

Autumn is an excellent time for planting:

apple trees,
plum trees,
pear trees,
currants,
gooseberries,
raspberries (especially frost-resistant varieties).

Fruit trees and shrubs planted in autumn take root more easily and bear fruit sooner than those planted in spring.

There is no doubt that planting fruit trees in autumn is a sensible decision for every gardener. Climatic conditions favour rapid rooting, and the results of your work will be visible as early as the next season. Plan your garden in advance and make the most of autumn!