Planting tips

As a nursery we put a lot of effort in growing, sorting and nurturing the trees. We would like this to continue in their new home, which is why we offer you some informal tips on storing, caring for and planting your trees.

Planting

  • The soil temperature at a depth of 30 centimeters >8°C.
  • Before planting, water the roots generously or allow them to stand for a few hours to absorb enough water. We advise you to allow the tree roots to stand in water for 24 hours before planting.
  • Trees awaiting planting in the field should be covered with a sheet to prevent them from drying out.
  • Ideally irrigate the trees with dormant oil (25 l / ha) in the evening immediately after planting. This helps counter evaporation. Ask your phyto supplier and/or cultivation information officer for advice.
  • After planting, press down trees firmly with your feet so that there is direct contact between the roots and the soil. During planting, it is advisable to irrigate the trees well (30-40 mm). Check the soil moisture levels regularly.
  • When using artificial fertiliser, watch out for salt damage because the fertiliser can be dissolved and get into the planting hole and dry out the soil. This leads to an excessively high EC value in the planting hole, which is the cause of root burn.
  • Good soil structure and proper planting conditions are the basis for giving the trees a good start.
  • Covering the soil around the trunk with mushroom compost gives them an even better start and makes it easier to keep the planting hole sufficiently moist. After planting, always cover the soil around the trunk with 10-15 litres of compost or mushroom compost per tree. Watch out for possible high salt content in mushroom compost!
  • The trees must be tied up immediately after planting.

Pruning

  • Prune all side branches at a higher knot (also prune the steep branches and don’t remove them until the second year of growth). Prune the central lead branch to 15 cm from the growth point. This pruning encourages regrowth and there is less risk of bearwood.
  • Remove the blossoms either chemically (always consult your phyto supplier) or by hand. Trees planted in the spring are very sensitive to fire blight (E. Amylovora) infections due to the late blossom.

Delivery

  • Wet the trees/roots immediately on arrival and prevent them drying out by storing them in a draught-free area.
  • If the trees are not to be planted straight away, make sure they are put in silage in a protected place. Place the trees in the ground almost up to the growth level so that the roots are not exposed if the soil “subsides”.
  • It is advisable to protect the trees in the potting corner in the event of moderate to heavy frost.
  • After potting, it is best to spray with Captan to protect wounds and any broken branches against infections.
  • Use gauze to protect the potted trees against hares, rabbits or grains.

Fertilisation

  • Fertilise the soil (N-P-K) before planting based on a soil analysis.
  • Ongoing foliar feeding based on ureum, magnesium, manganese and zinc (consult your phyto supplier).

Spraying

  • For trees planted in the spring, protect against E. Amylovora with continuous copper spraying (copper oxychloride 3 kg/ha with little water 150/ha) and Aliette® (consult your phyto supplier).

Storage

  • The optimum storage temperature is 0.5-1°C.
  • If storing the trees in a hangar or refrigerated area, thoroughly water the trees and especially the roots every day with a fine mist and cover them with a sheet.
  • Make sure that the trees are not kept in a room with fruit (ethylene).
  • A high level of air humidity in the refrigerated area is ideal for the trees. Make sure the area is continuously ventilated to remove the ethylene and CO2 produced by the trees.