What you do in the first three years shapes the tree for decades.
Planting
Use grafted, healthy plants of a variety suited to your climate. Dig wide holes, mix in compost, plant at the same depth as in the nursery, and water in well.
Training
Stake young trees against wind. Prune lightly to build a strong frame of 3–4 main branches with open centre.
Early fruit
Remove flowers in the first two years so energy goes to roots and frame; early cropping stunts trees.
Care
Water deeply but not constantly, mulch around (not touching) the trunk, protect from frost and sun-scald, and keep the area weed free.
Have a question, or need agricultural advice?
Contact us
