Questions about fruit trees? Here are the answers.

Years of daily work with fruit trees have let us put together a set of answers to the questions growers ask most often. In the nursery we see how plants react to weather, care and different conditions — so we can pass on knowledge that actually works in practice.

Below you will find answers based on long observation and hands-on work with fruit trees. This compendium should make planting, pruning and caring for your own orchard easier.

General

Which fruit trees are best for a garden?

It depends on the soil, the amount of sun and the climate in your garden.
In our conditions the most popular are apples, pears, plums, sour cherries, sweet cherries and peaches. In colder regions frost-hardy varieties do best, while on very sunny sites it is worth trying apricots or nectarines.

When is the best time to plant fruit trees?

The best time to plant fruit trees is early spring (March–April) or autumn (October–November).
This gives the plants a chance to build a strong root system before the growing season or before winter.

How do you plant a fruit tree step by step?

1. Dig a planting hole about twice as wide as the root system.
2. Add humus or compost to the hole.
3. Set the tree so that the root collar sits at ground level.
4. Fill the hole with soil, firm it well and water thoroughly.
5. Form a shallow basin around the trunk to hold water where it is needed.

How do you care for fruit trees after planting?

Water regularly, especially in the first year after planting.
Remove weeds, which compete for water and nutrients.
Feed in spring and autumn, with organic or mineral fertilisers.
Prune the tree to build a well-shaped crown and let light into it.

Why is my fruit tree not bearing fruit?

There are several common reasons: no pollinator nearby — many varieties need a second variety flowering at the same time; the tree is still too young — depending on the species and rootstock, first cropping comes in the 2nd to 5th year; spring frost damaged the blossom; or too much nitrogen, which drives leafy growth at the expense of fruit.

How do you protect fruit trees against pests and diseases?

Check the trees regularly — the earlier a problem is spotted, the easier it is to deal with.
Thin the crown so that it dries quickly after rain; this limits fungal diseases.
Clear fallen leaves and fruit, which carry sources of infection through the winter.
Where treatment is needed, use products approved for the species and keep to the pre-harvest interval.