UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Many Landscapers Say Trees Can Be Planted Any Time In The Spring Or Fall, But A Fruit Specialist In Penn State's College Of Agricultural Sciences Says Fruit Trees Should Be Planted In The Spring.

Robert Crassweller, professor of horticulture and extension tree fruit specialist, says planting fruit trees is relatively simple, if homeowners follow a few easy steps.

--Tree handling. When plants arrive, check them thoroughly for damage. Report any damage or signs of poor handling to the nursery. If the tree is not to be planted immediately, store the tree in a cold area with roots covered in moist soil, sawdust or sand. "Never allow fruit tree roots to dry out," Crassweller says.

--Allow trees to soak. Crassweller recommends placing fruit trees in water on the day before planting. "Allow the trees to absorb water for a minimum of four hours and up to 24 hours," he says.

--Dig an adequate hole. The hole should be wide enough to take in the tree's root system without bending or bunching the roots. Dig the hole deep enough to keep the bud union 2 to 4 inches above the ground when the soil settles. "Grafted or budded trees always should be planted so the union is above the soil line," Crassweller adds.

--Check the roots. "Check which side of the root mass has the most roots," explains Crassweller. "Set the tree so that the part of the root system with the most roots is pointed into the direction where prevailing winds originate to ensure stability."

--Filling the hole. "Add 4 to 6 inches of soil while jiggling the tree up and down," Crassweller says. "The jiggling eliminates air pockets and surrounds all the roots with soil." Next, fill the hole to within 3 or 4 inches of the ground line. Tamp the soil firmly and add remaining fill soil up to the ground line. --Water. Apply 5 gallons of water to each tree planted. "All roots and soil must be wetted," Crassweller says.

--Fertilize. If you have not tested your soil, apply 1/2 (one-half) pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer per tree. This formula suits all fruit trees except pear trees. Crassweller explains that all pear trees should be fertilized with 1/4 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer. "Sprinkle the fertilizer in a 12-inch-wide band," Crassweller says. "Keep the fertilizer at least 6 inches away from the trunk."

--Add a tree guard. Crassweller recommends using a 15-inch by 18-inch length of 3/8-inch hardware cloth. Using the 18-inch dimension as the circumference of the guard, bury the bottom 1 to 2 inches into the soil to prevent rodent damage.

--Bare-root trees. If there is no soil on the roots, consumers must remember that about one-quarter of the system was removed when the tree was dug out. "To compensate for missing roots, trim about one-quarter of the plant top," Crassweller explains. "Balled and burlapped trees do not need as much pruning; just remove broken or low branches."

--Watering. Homeowners should begin watering in late June, depending on rainfall. If less than 5 inches of rain has fallen since planting, apply 5 gallons of water around the base of each tree.

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EDITORS: Contact Robert Crassweller at 814-863-6163 or by e-mail at rmc7@psu.edu.

Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877