In order to obtain excellent growth in the first few years of the orchard, nursery trees need to have optimal management - starting at planting. Even trees of the highest quality can peform badly if not managed adequately.  

It is important that nursery trees receive the very best of care once they reach the orchard.

Key steps when planting nursery trees

Further information

References

Key steps when planting nursery trees

1. Planting site prepared in advance

Site preparation and irrigation and trellis installation should occur well before planting. It is essential that plants have irrigation available immediately after planting. Wind can cause issues with newly planted trees - moving them and breaking roots. Having a support system already in place will minimise this risk.

Figure 1: Pear nursery trees being planted.

2. Tree roots must not be allowed to dry out.

Root activity and growth is important for early establishment and growth of trees. Roots should be kept moist prior to and at planting. Planting a nursery tree when the roots are dry or partially dry will result in root damage and will inhibit tree growth or ultimately tree death. This can be a long lasting effect. 

Ideally trees should be placed in a heeling-in trench upon delivery from a nursery. A heeling in trench should be in a protected location, with good drainage. Trees should be placed in the trench and have roots covered with loose soil. Roots should be watered before being covered.

If it is not practical to do this trees can be placed in coolstorage. This should not be where fruit is stored and trees must be fully dormant.  Trees should be stood upright with roots covered by sawdust. Tops will need to be kept moist.

3. Tree roots should be kept below 70C

New root growth occurs when temperatures reach >7^oC. This draws on the trees reserves as well as increases the risk of root damage when planting (Brown 2008). Some root growth will occur between 2-7^oC. It is important that trees are planted either when dormant (in Winter) or as early in the spring as possible. If planting has to be delayed trees can be stored in a cool room with adequate moisture.

4. Plant trees as early as possible

Early planting reduces the tree stress and allows roots to settle and recommence growth before shoot growth. Ideally trees should be planted between June and mid-August.

5. Plant trees with bud union at least 100mm out of the ground

Trees need to be planted with the bud union out of the ground to avoid scion-rooting. Scion-rooting occurs when the variety grafted onto the rootstocks starts to develop its own roots. This will happen where the bud union is in contact with the ground. Trees should be planted with graft unions at a consistent height above the soil - ideally 100mm.

6. Irrigate as soon as possible after planting

It is important that trees do not suffer water stress. This is often one of the most common problems when establishing new blocks. Ideally trees should be watered immediately after planting and receive regular short intervals thereafter. While the root system is still very small, it may depelete the moisture immediately surrounding each root, and even though the moisture is found a the surface close to the tree, the soil around the roots may be dry (Westwood 1993). They do not require large volumes of water, but enough to create a humid environment around the roots.

7. Adequate nutrition after planting

Often it is not recommended to place fertiliser in holes at planting (as it may harm roots). However, trees should receive adequate nutrition either through fertigation or soil application to ensure good growth. The amount and frequency will depend on the soil conditions at the site.

8. Control weeds

Weed growth can compete with a young tree for soil moisture, nutrients and sunlight. In the first season after planting it is important that weeds are controlled to ensure the young tree can achieve maximum growth. It can be risky to use chemical weed control in the first season and tillage or mulches may be useful.

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Further information

These Australian and international sites may be useful for growers. However they are intended as an information source only. Any specific chemical or management recommendations may be outdated or irrelevant for Australian conditions and growers should seek local advice.

Please note: By electing to visit sites linking from this page you will be leaving the intensivepear.com website.

Australian Resources

Management of young trees

• For more information on the management of young trees, please go to the orchard management section of this site.   

Orchard planting

• Successfully Replanting Orchards, Five Easy Steps, A Best Practice Guide by Paul James. This book is available by contacting the Apple and Pear Growers Association of South Australia ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) 

International Resources

Orchard planting

• Planting and care of young orchards - Washinton State University Publication (external link).

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References

Westwood, M.N. (1993). Temperate Zone Pomology: Physiology and Culture. Timber Press. Portland

Brown, G. (2008). "Successful orchard planting techniques." Australian Fruitgrower 2 (5): 10-12  

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