05/22/2026
FARM FACT FRIDAY: Planting Fruit Trees
Thinking about adding some apple or peach trees? Its not as simple as just drop and go!
Here are 3 things to know before your shovel hits the dirt!!!!!
1. Keep the "Bump" Above Ground. Thats called the graft point or union. Almost all modern fruit trees you can get locally are grafted. That means a high-quality fruit variety on top is physically joined to a hardy, disease-resistant root system or stock on the bottom. You’ll see a distinct "bump" near the base of the trunk. Like a ring. If the top variety touches the dirt, it will grow its own roots, bypassing this disease-resistant qualities of the rootstock. So Keep that graft union 2 to 3 inches ABOVE the final soil line! Grafted trees have the very best rate of success!
2. Ditch the Fertilizer!
It feels right to dump a bunch of rich fertilizer right into the bottom of the planting hole to "help" the new tree, but it actually backfires. Simply backfill with your native soil. If you have heavy clay or pure sand, amend it lightly with compost or organic material. Keep it simple native soil encourages the roots to grow and seek out nutrients!
3. "Mulch Volcanoes"
Mulch is fantastic for moisture retention and w**d control but putting mulch directly against the bark is a no go! This traps moisture right on the trunk, creating a perfect breeding ground for fungal rot and giving mice or voles a cozy winter hiding spot to chew on the tender bark. Make a mulch donut instead!
Are you adding fruit trees to your property this year? We are!
What varieties are you putting in the ground this season? Let us know in the comments below!