Don't have much space?
Urban backyards are often small – in this case you could espalier your fruit trees (train them to grow flat against a wall), or buy trees grown on dwarf rootstock which reduces their size.
Be aware of the mature size of your tree – make sure you don't plant too close to your house or neighbours property.
Note: trees planted on road reserves without permission will be cut down.
Taking care when planting a tree pays off, the right steps now will mean your tree will be healthy for generations to come.
For the best results:
- dig a square hole to plant in – this helps to promote the spread of roots with hold the tree in place
- place a layer of seaweed from the beach or sprinkle plant food available from any garden store over the bottom of the hole – this adds extra nutrients to the soil to help your tree establish itself
- plant your tree into the hole, and add compost mixed with soil around the roots.
You can read more about planting trees in the International Society of Arboriculture's Planting a tree guide.