This time of year (January & February) is an ideal time to select bare root fruit trees and save money doing so. Bare root fruit trees normally cost 40 to 70% as much as the same trees in containers purchased later in the year. Bare root trees survive well and are quick to establish.

You can locate just about any type of fruit tree in those winter plant catalogs that seem to fill our mailboxes this time of year. The great thing about catalogs is the wonderful descriptions of the fruit each tree will produce. Your local nursery or big box store will have bare root fruit trees so you can select a variety that will grown well in your location.

When selecting a fruit tree, find one where the roots are moist, plump and not broken. You want a strong, fresh looking stem ½”-5/8” in diameter. If you mail order a tree, check the roots when it arrives. Avoid slimy or dried out roots. Unwrap, evaluate and if it is not what you expected, call and talk to a representative. Most reputable nurseries want their customers to be happy with their purchase.

Plant your bare-root fruit tree as soon as possible. Plan before planting, choosing the right location with enough room and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Picture the tree fully grown. Do not plant near a foundation or under a roof. Keep 10 feet away from patios, water and sewer pipes. Soil should be well draining and compost amended.

Dig a hole the same depth as the tree's roots and twice as wide as it is deep. Soak the roots in a pail of water for 4 hours. Shape a firm cone in the middle of the hole, tall enough so the bud union will be about 4” above the soil line. Rough up the sides of the hole with a small hand rake.

Spread the roots over the soil cone while holding the tree upright. Place a shovel vertically across the hole to verify the height of the bud union. If the tree is planted too deep, gently pull it up.

Fill the hole with soil and tamp gently around the roots to remove air pockets. Add more soil and tamp again. The soil should slope away from the tree trunk. Create a basin beyond the spread of the roots and water gently. Spread mulch around the tree, keeping it 4 inches away from the trunk.

Cut the fruit tree back about knee high (18-24”), slightly above a bud. The fruit tree will branch low allowing you to be able to prune it, spray, thin the fruit, and harvest the fruit without the need of tall ladders.

Mix white interior latex paint and water (50/50) and paint the entire trunk from the top to 2” below the soil line. This will discourage pests and prevent sunburn.

You have saved money and begun your own home orchard. Time to sit back and watch your fruit tree grow.