Think Trees this Winter

It might feel like winter is the time to stay cosy indoors and leave outside to its own devices but if you’re thinking about adding some fruit trees to the garden, it’s a great time to do it.

Fruit trees become dormant over winter, that is they drop their leaves and stop growing. Think of it like hibernation, everything slows down. So, it’s a less traumatic time for them to be moved and gives them a chance to establish in their new spot before spring bursts on the scene.

Trees, Trees Everywhere…Which One To Choose?

Think about what fruit you like to eat first and foremost. If you love pears and don’t like peaches, that’s right up there on the tree shopping checklist.

Then, keep in mind that you may need two trees so that they act as pollinators. So, for example, many apple trees need another apple tree of a different variety nearby – they are not self-fertile. In towns and cities where your neighbours may well have fruit trees, this isn’t a big issue says Narrelle Chand, resident fruit tree expert at Christchurch’s Little Big Tree Company. But it’s important in rural areas and on larger blocks because it might be a long way to the next pear tree. So, if in doubt, ask the question when you’re buying the tree. If you’re shopping for a small space then dwarf trees are a good option. They typically grow no more than 2.5ms and fruit well – so you cut down on size not on fruit.

Get It In The Ground

The site you choose for your tree should be on fertile, free draining soil. Then it’s a case of get your spade out and start digging. “Always dig a hole twice as big as the root ball, then add compost and slow release fertiliser,” says Narrelle. The soil should be free-draining, so if it has a lot of clay in it then add some gypsum to break it up. Trees also need to be staked and this typically requires a stake on each side and some flexible webbing to support it. Once they are well established you can remove these.

Pruning

Most trees will need pruning when you first plant them and on an ongoing basis annually. It can be a daunting task for a newbie –but pruning will help shape the tree, encourage a good yield and new branches to grow.

There are plenty of instructions online about fruit tree pruning so look for some specific to your type of tree. More complex pruning is involved if you want to go for something fancy like ‘espaliering’ – this means training your tree along a wall or sometimes along wires between posts. It looks great and is a good space-saving technique but it requires a certain amount of confidence and research before you start snipping.

If you don’t feel confident pruning then ask garden centre staff for advice when you buy a fruit tree. Often, says Narrelle, they will be able to prune the tree for you so you can simply take it home and plant it.