The hills around Maisonsgoutte were once filled with wineyards and orchards. We will try to bring back those days just in a slightly different way. We started this year with a couple of new fruit trees to accompany the old ones on our land to see if they will thrive.
As we both never planted a tree: how to plant a tree?
The more care you put in planting the tree the more chance it has on surviving and flourishing. We learned from the best (grand merci to Anne) and will share the most important things with you:
- Make sure you dig a large hole and loosen the ground before you plant the tree so water can run freely and the roots will not grow mold.
- A young tree needs support of a pole. In a sunny climate you put the pole in such a way that it will give shade to the tree in the hottest hours of the day. In a region with strong wind you put it in the direction of the dominant wind. Always put the pole in first so you don’t damage the roots later!
- The roots need space, don’t muffle them up but make the hole bigger if there is no place for all of them.
- Plant the tree with the thickest branch facing north so the smaller branches will catch more sun and the tree is more balanced.
- Always mix potting ground with earth from the garden. After the tree is planted you can add a layer of compost before mulching.
- Make sure you don’t plant the tree too deep. When you got it with bare roots, the grafting mark must be above ground.
- Keep a 50 cm radius around the tree free from grasses and weed by mulching. Mulch for example with hay, fallen leaves or wood chips. Mulch will also keep the ground moist and protect it.
- Young trees need water. Once a week if there is no rain.
- When the tree is strong enough, the pole can be removed. Every year a bit of compost will help it grow.
- Do not prune a young tree, the leaves feed the roots. When the tree is 2 or 3 years old you can prune it (or not).
Bonustip: trees love to have a mix of urine and water. Urine is full of excellent nutrients so if you don’t take medication save some pee, mix it with water (1 part urine, 9 parts water) and spoil your new tree!