How to Care for Newly Planted Apple & Pear Trees

Pears and apples are some of the most popular fruits for home growing. Their sweet taste is universally appealing, their blossoms are sweet and refreshing, and the trees are among the easiest fruit trees to grow. Pears and apples can be stored for long periods of time, so grow them and keep them long after the harvest. Follow a couple simple steps to care for newly planted pear and apple trees.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grit
• Compost
• Stakes
• Ties
• Water
• Hammer
• Fertilizer spikes

Instructions

1. Plant your trees in the right soil. Pear and apple trees need quick draining soil. Supplement your own soil with grit and compost to make sure the trees get adequate drainage.

2. Plant your trees on high ground. Pear trees need a lot of direct sunshine and apple trees will be damaged by the cold air that settles in low spots.

3. Prune other vegetation or trees around your newly planted trees to ensure they aren't growing in the shade.

4. Water your trees generously after planting. The soil should drain quickly, but should also give the trees plenty of moisture.

5. Stake your young trees. Hammer stakes into the soil and secure the trees with ties. This will keep the trees from being damaged by the wind.

6. Use fertilizer spikes to fertilize your young trees. Add the spikes a couple weeks after planting, to avoid damaging the new roots.

Tips & Warnings

• The size of your apple trees will depend on what kind of root stock or sapling you bought.
• Cold air can damage fruit trees, their blossoms and their fruit. Never cut the roots of your saplings during or after planting.

References

• NCSU: Growing Apple Trees in the Home Garden
• About Apple Trees: Growing Apple Trees
• The Gardener's Network: How to Grow Pear Fruit Trees