Planting and pruning fruit trees

In short: Fruit trees need a sunny location, good soil and regular pruning. Planting is best in autumn or early spring.

In more detail: Pruning promotes shape, light inside the crown and fruit yield.

In detail

• Variety and rootstock: The rootstock determines vigour (half standard, spindle bush).
• Pollinator: Many varieties need a second variety nearby for pollination (insekten-und-bestaeuber).
• Planting hole: Twice as wide as the root ball, graft union above the soil.
• Tying and watering: A stake supports the tree; water vigorously after planting (richtig-giessen-im-garten).
• Planting cut: Shorten shoots, emphasise the leader.
• Maintenance pruning: In late winter, remove inward-growing and crossing branches (hecken-und-baumschnitt-regeln).
• Summer pruning: Moderates growth, suitable for cherries.
• Care: Mulch, fertilise if needed, control pests naturally (schaedlinge-natuerlich-bekaempfen).