Stevin’s Tree Planting Guide
Use good quality compost.
Dig the hole at least twice the volume of the root ball.
Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to about 4 to 6 inches,
Mound slightly to the center.
Set the root ball on the mound.
(Note: Do not put compost underneath the tree!)
Make sure the root ball is sitting slightly above the ground level.
Fill hole half way with compost. Water and tamp gently to remove air pockets.
Fill hole with remaining compost, repeating watering and tamping down gently.
Make a berm around the edge of the area to hold water.
(Note: If the condition of your soil is water retentive, also form a small inner ring around the trunk to protect it from standing water.)
Water well
As most deciduous fruit trees derive 95% of their needs from sun, water and air, they do not require fertilizer -- especially nitrogen!
Each spring top dress with compost.
Mulching around the base of the tree will help moisture retention.