Plant a bareroot apple tree

The bareroot season runs from November to March so order your plants as soon as possible. When your fruit tree arrives, check it over and plant out promptly, as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE

Pick a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile well-drained soil. If planting into a border, dig in some well-rotted organic matter and keep plants away from the base of the tree. If planting into grass, clear a 60-90cm (2-3ft) square of turf but don’t enrich the soil. Keep it clear over the next few years to prevent vegetation from stealing vital moisture and nutrients from your young tree.

SOAK THE ROOTS

Unwrap the roots and use tape to mark the soil line on the main tree stem, indicating the depth your tree was growing in the nursery bed (it can be hard to see once wet). Soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour or so. Cold winds can damage roots so don’t leave plants exposed.

DIG THE HOLE

Dig a hole large enough to take the tree’s roots, breaking up any compacted ground. If you have young trees and lots to plant, a simple slit made with a spade works well. Position the tree, checking that its best ‘face’ is forwards and it’s at the same depth as it was previously growing. Remove the marking tape, backfill, firm and water in.

STAKE THE TRUNK

Hammer in a stake diagonally to one side with a low strap so the tree can flex a little in the wind. Add a mesh rabbit guard to keep them from nibbling the trunk and a weed mat or mulch to help keep the ground clear of weeds.