How to plant a fruit tree correctly

A healthy seedling planted incorrectly can struggle for years. Here are the general steps we recommend for planting a fruit tree, applicable to most species — apple, plum, apricot, cherry, sour cherry, peach, nectarine and pear.

1. Prepare the hole

Dig a hole wide and deep enough for the roots to spread naturally, without bending. Loosen the soil at the base of the hole to help new roots penetrate.

2. Position the seedling

Place the seedling in the centre of the hole with roots spread evenly. One key point: the graft union must stay above soil level after planting — if buried, the tree can root from the grafted variety itself, losing the benefit of the rootstock.

3. Backfill the hole

Fill the hole with soil, firming gently as you go to remove air pockets around the roots. Avoid over-compacting, which can compress the soil too much.

4. Water thoroughly

After planting, water generously to help the soil settle around the roots and close any remaining air gaps.

5. Stake if needed

For young seedlings, especially in windy sites, a stake helps keep the tree upright for the first year or two, until the root system develops enough.

6. First-year care

Keep the area around the seedling free of weeds and watch watering during dry spells. See also our orchard maintenance page for longer-term recommendations.