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Choosing the right type of fruit tree for your orchard or backyard garden is crucial for successful growth and fruit production. When considering planting fruit trees, you can acquire them as either bare-root or container-grown trees. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are important to consider when deciding what will be the best purchase for your orchard. This guide will help you understand the key differences and make an informed decision.
Bare-root trees can be more economical when purchased in large quantities on a per-plant basis. However, when bought in smaller quantities, they may lose their price competitiveness due to shipping costs, especially when compared to locally purchased container-grown trees. Bare-root trees are often a better choice for planting a sizeable orchard, while container-grown trees are usually more economical for a few backyard trees.
That said, sometimes it is worth paying a bit more for container-grown trees if they have a higher chance of viability. Certain fruit trees, such as citrus, blueberries, pawpaws, pecans, and persimmons, tend to perform much better when grown in containers rather than as bare-root trees. Container-grown trees often have a more developed root system, which can lead to better establishment and growth, especially for species that are sensitive to transplant shock.
On the other hand, many fruiting plants do well when starting from a bare root, including apples, blackberries, peaches, pears, plums, and strawberries. These plants can establish effectively when planted bare root, making them a cost-effective option for larger plantings.
Bare-root fruit trees require more attention before planting. They need to be stored in a cool location, but not so cold that they risk freezing. It's crucial to keep them moist, but not soaking wet, to maintain root health. Presoaking their roots before planting helps stimulate early root growth and prevents root dieback. A common mistake with bare-root trees is not pruning them back before planting. Since they lose a significant portion of their root systems during the digging process, their tops need to be pruned to match their reduced root capacity. Pruning helps the tree focus its energy on root development.
Container-grown trees, on the other hand, need less specialized care before planting. It's important to keep them well-watered and to prune them for tree training after planting. This makes container-grown trees a more convenient option for the average gardener.
Both bare-root and container-grown trees require proper care immediately after planting to ensure they establish well. Start by watering thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Continue to water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Container-grown trees typically need more water initially due to their developed root systems. Apply mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Staking may be necessary to support the trees, especially bare-root ones, until their roots establish. Protect young trees from pests and extreme weather with tree guards or fencing, and consider using shade cloth or frost protection if needed. These steps will help your newly planted trees establish quickly and grow into healthy, productive fruit trees.
Pruning is an essential practice for both bare-root and container-grown fruit trees to ensure healthy growth and optimal fruit production. For bare-root trees, pruning is particularly important before planting. Since these trees lose a significant portion of their root systems during the digging process, their tops need to be pruned to match their reduced root capacity. This helps the tree focus its energy on root development rather than maintaining a large canopy.
For container-grown trees, pruning is also beneficial, though it typically involves less drastic measures. Light pruning after planting can help remove any damaged or crossing branches and shape the tree for better structure. Regular pruning as the tree grows will encourage strong, healthy branches and improve air circulation, which can reduce the risk of disease.
In both cases, proper pruning techniques can lead to better fruit production and easier maintenance in the long run. It's important to use clean, sharp tools and make cuts at the right angles to promote healing and prevent damage to the tree.
Bare-root trees are only available and should be planted during their dormant period, which is from late fall to early spring. If possible, aim for a fall planting, as this allows the trees to start putting out new roots, leading to stronger growth in the spring, provided soil temperatures are above 50°F.
One of the advantages of container-grown trees is their flexibility; they can be planted at any time of the year. However, they still benefit from being planted in the fall to support root growth. An exception to this is citrus trees, which generally fare better when planted in the spring, as they are sensitive to colder temperatures.
When selecting fruit trees, it's important to remember that bigger is not always better. Larger trees, whether bare-root or container-grown, often require more aftercare and are generally more expensive to purchase. Larger trees come with a higher price tag due to their size and the additional resources needed to grow them to that stage. They also need more water, nutrients, and attention to help them establish in their new environment, which can be particularly demanding in the initial stages after planting.
Smaller trees, on the other hand, are easier to train and shape from a young age. This is crucial for fruit trees, as proper training can lead to better structure, increased fruit production, and easier maintenance in the long run. Smaller trees often establish more quickly because they experience less transplant shock compared to larger trees. Their root systems can adapt more readily to the new soil conditions, leading to healthier growth.
For bare-root trees, smaller sizes have less extensive root systems to begin with, making them easier to handle and plant. They can focus their energy on root development and establishment rather than maintaining a large canopy. Similarly, container-grown trees, while generally having more developed root systems, also benefit from being smaller. They are easier to handle and plant and are less likely to suffer from root circling and other issues that can affect larger containerized trees.
In conclusion, both bare-root and container-grown fruit trees have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Bare-root trees are often more economical for large-scale plantings, but they require more pre-planting care and are best planted during the dormant season. Container-grown trees, while generally more expensive, provide the flexibility of year-round planting and tend to establish more quickly due to their extensive root systems. Additionally, opting for smaller trees, regardless of type, can be more cost-effective and easier to manage, leading to healthier and more productive fruit trees in the long run. For the average gardener, container-grown trees are likely the better choice due to their convenience, higher viability, and ease of care. By considering these factors and asking yourself the key questions, you can make the best choice for your orchard or backyard garden.
