How to Prepare Soil for Fruit Trees

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Fruit trees need a specific type of soil, sunlight and food to be productive; however, not all fruit trees have the same
requirements. Using resources such as your local nursery and online searches, you can find out what your particular type of
fruit tree requires before planting and prepare your planting area and soil specifically for that tree. This will help ensure a
healthy tree that produces a lot of fruit for you, year after year.
Steps

1.

1
Prepare a site for your tree that receives full sunlight for 6 to 8 hours each day.

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2
Rototill or otherwise dig up (rip) any poor soil (less than about 3 feet [1 m] of topsoil) to improve drainage to
approximately 18 inches (45 cm) deep. This helps ensure proper drainage and also prevent erosion.

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3
Make mounds of tree planting areas if your topsoil is not deep enough to drain properly.

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Add crops that will add nutrients to the soil after they die, such as "green manure crops." You can find out which crops
are nutrient providers by researching them on the Internet.

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5
Add a wind break of trees if planting a large number of fruit trees or orchard along all sides that are most exposed to
wind and storms. This will vary depending on the geographic area. Be sure to leave 1 side open for proper air circulation.

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6
Water the root ball of your trees several hours before you plant.

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7
Water the planting site thoroughly before planting.

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8
Choose a site that is a bit higher than the rest of your yard, if possible, to ensure proper drainage.

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9
Prepare an area for your tree that is at least 5 feet (1.5 m) in diameter and 1 foot (0.3 m) deep and apply nutrients to the
soil. This should be done approximately 2 seasons before you intend to plant your tree.

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10
Retest the soil for the proper pH and add fertilizers that will bring it into balance.

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11
Ensure that the soil can properly drain; you can test this by digging a hole that is 30 inches (76.2 cm) deep and filling it
with water. The water should drain approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) in 2 hours.

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12
Prepare an area for your tree that is at least 5 feet (1.5 m) in diameter and 1 foot (0.3 m) deep and apply nutrients to the
soil. Note that this is the area around the hole and not the hole itself.

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13
Check the acid content or "pH" of your soil; different fruit trees require different pH values. For example, peaches need
a pH of 6.5; however, citrus fruit trees can thrive in any type of soil.

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14
Fill the hole that you dug for your tree with humus (a natural compost that has stabilized and will not break further
down), the removed soil and a proper amendment soil mixture for nutrients.

Apples

1.

1
Select a site that has good drainage and air circulation, such as slopes, so that cold air will be directed away from the
apple buds (apples are fall producers).

2.

2
Ensure that the soil can properly drain; you can test this by digging a hole that is 30 inches (76.2 cm) deep and filling it
with water. The water should drain approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) in 2 hours.

3.

3
Prepare an area for your tree that is at least 5 feet (1.5 m) in diameter and 1 foot (0.3 m) deep and apply nutrients to the
soil. Note that this is the area around the hole and not the hole itself.

4.

4
Test your soil and ensure that the pH and type of soil are adequate for your species of apple tree. You can take test
samples to your local nursery or county agricultural extensions for information.

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5
Add any amendments necessary to the soil at least 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 45.7 cm) deep.