Fall is the best time to plant trees when the soil is still warm. Plants spend the winter growing their roots and the summer growing their branches and leaves. Planting in early fall will give your trees plenty of time to establish their roots before they leaf out in the spring.
Research the type of tree that you are planting. Note how big the tree will get and be sure to space it far enough away from other trees that the branches will not overlap. Also pay attention to the shade that the tree will create and the size of the root structure. Be sure to call into your utility companies to find out where the lines are. The roots will grow in an area similar to the size of the overhanging branches. Don’t put trees too close to water, sewage, or any other lines, or too close to building foundations.
Dig your hole bigger than the root ball of the tree. Place the root ball in the hole with the base of the trunk at ground level. Fill the hole with water to make sure the water soaks in all around the roots, then fill in the hole with soil and add more water on top. A small amount of finished compost or amended soil may be added to the hole, but don’t add too much to avoid root rot.
Water the tree every two or three days for the first two weeks, then reduce to watering once a week. In the cold winter months only water when it’s above freezing. By the spring the tree should be established enough that it only needs to be watered if it doesn’t rain for two or more weeks. After two years trees only need to be watered in extreme drought, though occasionally watering may increase growth and yields of fruit.
Links to More Information
OSU Tree Planting Guide https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/tree-planting-guide.html
A Beginner’s Guide: Fruit Tree Care https://mahoneysgarden.com/a-beginners-guide-fruit-tree-care/
