Fruit trees

Choose the timing according to the crop, cultivar hardiness, root condition and site weather. Plant bare roots during dormancy when soil is workable. Spring may be more convenient where early frost is a risk or the crop is sensitive. Container-grown saplings offer more options, but postpone planting in intense heat.

Planting too deeply worsens conditions at the tree's base and can damage bark and roots. Find the root collar and first main roots before backfilling, then check the level after watering and settlement. The graft union is separate; do not use it instead of the root collar as the only guide.

Check moisture near the roots and inside the root ball, not just surface colour. Water should gradually soak the required layer without prolonged standing water. Compare morning leaf condition with the weather and soil moisture. If the tree wilts in wet soil, do not automatically increase watering: identify the cause first.