Hey All,
I just planted a 4-Way Peach (Citation Rootstock with Elberta Early, Veteran, Redhaven and Cresthaven) and a 4-Way Pear (Dwarf rootstock with Anjou, Red Bartlett, Bartlett and Comice) from Al's Garden Center.
Here's my quandry- Everything that I've read about planting bare root fruit trees says that you should not put fertilizer in the hole (because it will potentially burn the roots) but the instructions from Al's say that it should be done. Anybody care to weigh in? I went ahead and planted them without (thinking that I should err on the side of caution).
Also are there any tips that I should know about bare root trees?
Thanks!
Corri
I wouldn't fertilize them. Our clay soil is full of nutrition, and if you fertilize, the tree roots will apparently stay near the extra nutrition instead of venturing out. You'll get a better root system if you do not fertilize.
My understanding is to not put fertilizer in. The main reason as I understand it is to make sure the roots will expand and look for nutrition. It is also to try to keep the new growth above the ground to a minimum so the roots can get established to support the new growth next year. The key is to get good root growth the first year.