General information on care and planting of "Bare Rooted Trees".

At  Meredith Nursery we care about our plants and our customers and as part of that we are pleased to supply the following information on the care and planting of deciduous fruit and ornamental trees. We take particular care to ensure the trees we sell are kept in the best possible condition for when you take them home. 

A bare rooted tree is one without soil on the roots. A deciduous tree loses its leaves in autumn and enters a dormant state. At this time the trees are removed from the growing field and are "healed in" at the nursery for sale. Providing the roots are kept moist. Trees can be stored like this until they commence growing again in spring.

Position and Soil ► Most soils are suitable but a well drained and protected area with a slight slope is ideal. Do not plant in areas prone to water logging. In heavy soils work the soil up into a mound by adding light well drained soil and compost. In all cases work the soil to a  minimum depth of 500mm and about 600mm in diameter. Break up large clods and add compost or animal manure. Mulching is good as it helps retain the moisture but leave 150mm clear around the trunk. It is best to do the preparation prior to purchase as the trees can then be planted quickly and easily. Add some organic planting compost - available from the nursery.

Variety Selection ► with our cold winters and mild summers most varieties are suitable. Apples, pears, most cherries, almonds, hazelnuts, Chinese gooseberries, plums need cross pollination. Cross pollination means that a suitable "partner" tree is needed so as the flowers may be fertilized and hence fruit developed. See the pollination chart below for details of suitable cross pollinators. Varieties not listed on the pollination chart are self–fertile and so can be planted singly. Cross pollinators can be planted at some distance from each other but in the same area.

Purchase and Planting ► Most deciduous ( trees that loose their leaves in autumn) fruit and ornamental  are purchased bare rooted ( no soil on the roots) and while this is not a problem while the tree is in its dormant state it is important to ensure the roots stay moist drying out of the roots will kill the tree.  If transporting in a trailer cover the roots with suitable covering including wet paper or straw. Do not leave the tree lying on the ground in the sun while digging the hole. Cover the roots with a damp cloth etc.

After preparing the hole ensuring the hole is large enough for the roots, cut off any damaged roots or excessively long roots and place the trees in the hole. Before backfilling, place a securing stake between the roots and drive home. Secure the tree to the stake . This will hold the tree during root development over the spring/summer period. Check the ties each month to ensure they do not strangle the trunk and kill the tree. The stake may be removed when the tree is established. The tree should be planted at the same depth as it was grown at. The graft should be at least 100mm above the ground. Back fill with fine soil consolidating as you go. Water the tree-in well after planting.

 Initial Pruning ► most fruit trees and some ornamental trees are best if pruned at the time of planting. We are more than happy to do this for you at the time of purchase or you can do it at the time of planting. Pruning helps shape the tree and also matches the root system with the foliage size.