Fruit trees are beautiful and can be very useful in the garden. It's therefore not surprising that so many people want to grow fruit trees in their garden. Fruit trees give bountiful harvests and are often more rewarding than vegetables. Also, unlike vegetables, all of this harvest comes from the same tree you've planted years and years ago. Not to mention fruit trees are great for the landscape and can make your garden extra gorgeous.

A good thing about fruit trees is that they give a lot while requiring less maintenance than a regular garden. Growing a fruit tree is deeply satisfying since you know you're doing something that will be long-lasting.

Growing a fruit tree includes several steps. First of all, you need to pick a tree and then plant it in the most appropriate place in your garden. After planting, you need to make your tree thrive by watering, staking and other actions you need to do to care for your tree properly.

Planting Fruit Tress in the Fall

Those who are interested in growing fruit trees should know that while trees can be planted almost anytime during the warmer moths, the fall is actually a great time to plant fruit trees. Therefore, you might consider planting trees in the fall and have them thrive in your garden.

Fall planting actually brings some advantages. During this time, trees are not subjected to harsh heat of the summer so you don't need to water them as often. This is a great opportunity to start great with your new tree and make it thrive.

Another good reason for planting in the fall is that it gives enough time for the roots of your tree to become established before the growth spur in the following spring. It gives the tree a time to get accustomed to the soil and become more stable before the next year's spring.

Choosing Your Fruit Tree

Here are some tips on how to choose your fruit tree. It's important to know these basics regardless of the type of tree you wish to grow (cherry, pear, apple ‐ doesn't matter!) However, you need to know at least something about the fruit tree in question so it's best to be educated about any specific needs your chosen type of tree will have.

The best way to go is to choose a variety that is known as being hardy and tolerant to climate conditions. While not all trees are equally tolerant to all conditions, make sure to focus the ones in your climate zone. Choose varieties that can thrive well in your area.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most fruit trees will require a second pollinator that will ensure that the tree will bear fruit. You need to accommodate for that. If you only have a single tree it might not produce any fruit. It will depend on the exact fruit variety, but it's true for many of them. Some fruits, such as Fuji apples, are self-sterile. It means they require a second pollinator to produce fruit. In order to get fruits on your tree you will need to plant a partner tree. In many cases, a partner tree doesn't have to be of the same variety. For example, Fuji apples will do well when partnered with a Granny Smith or Gala variety trees.

Selecting the best varieties may seem tricky at first but it's vital for your tree's survival. Check at your local nursery for tips on how to choose the best fruit tree variety for your needs. They will also offer you useful advice on how to grow these trees. Never hesitate to ask questions: it is vital that you know what you're doing in order to make your fruit tree grown healthy and strong. Good nurseries employ knowledgeable staff so you will be able to get the help you need to make your fruit tree thrive.

Once you know how to choose the best fruit tree variety, it's important to know how to plant it properly. Fall is a great time to plant a fruit tree because it gives it enough time to recover before the intense growth the next spring.

One thing you need to know is that planting a fruit tree is a surprisingly easy. All you need to do is to be careful and follow a few simple instructions. You don't really have to be a gardening pro to do it properly.

Tips for Planting Fruit Trees

Here are the most important steps you need to take when planting a fruit tree:

• Make sure to dig the planting hole that is deep and wide enough. It should be about 2-3 times the diameter of the the container the tree came in and about 1 1/2 times the depth of said container.
• Before you start planting, make sure to mix in some compost in the planting hole. This is the best way to get your tree off to a good start. Make sure to mix back in equal amounts of compost and soil to the bottom of the hole.
• Once this is done, place the tree in the hole. Start filling up with soil and compost. You should fill it up enough so the top of the tree's root ball sits about an inch or so above the top of the hole.
• Water the root ball generously. Make sure to use a few gallons of water.
• Fill in around the rest of the hole using equal amounts of compost and coil. Start filling in until the tree is completely plants. It's planted when the base of the trunk is just above the ground level and all of the root ball is fully covered. This will allow the tree to get properly established and it will also ensure good drainage.
• After the tree is planted, add about 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree trunk. The mulch can be made of shredded hardwood, straw, shredded leaves and similar material. This will help the tree retain moisture and it will protect the root ball during winter.

If you're planting multiple trees, make sure to space them properly. Dwarf trees should be planted 8 to 10 feet apart and at least 12 feet between rows. Semi-dwarf varieties should be spaced about 10 to 12 feet apart and 14 to 16 feet between rows. For full size trees the spacing should be even greater, but it depends on the individual variety. Always read the label to know how to space your trees. It's important to ensure that the tree has adequate growing space.

Caring for Fruit Trees

Once the fruit tree is planted you need to take a good care of it in order to make it thrive. Here are some tips:

• It's important to water your tree throughout the fall. You need to apply a few gallons of water around the root zone unless there is heavy rain.
• If your tree is large enough, consider adding stakes to protect it during winter, especially during heavy winds.

Photo credit: born1945