Not sure which guide is right for you? Find step-by-step instructions tailored to your plant type:
• Welcoming Your New Plants Home – Unpacking, acclimating, and caring for outdoor plants.
• Welcoming Your House Plants Home – How to set up and care for your new fruit tree.
• Welcoming Your Citrus Trees Home – Special tips for unpacking and maintaining citrus trees.
• Welcoming Your Olive Trees Home – Everything you need to know to help your olive tree thrive.
FRUIT TREES
Step 1: Unpack with Care
Unwrapping Your Tree:
• Remove Packaging: Gently take your fruit tree out of the box and remove all packaging materials, including any plastic bags around the grower pot, zip ties securing the soil, and paper or padding around the branches.
• Heat Packs: If your tree was shipped during colder months, you may find a small white heat pack attached to the box or insulation. Do not open it—simply dispose of it after unpacking.
• For Trees in Burlap Bags: If your tree arrives in a burlap-wrapped root ball instead of a pot, carefully remove it and prepare to plant it directly in the ground or a large container.
📌 Timing Tip: Unbox your tree within a couple of hours to prevent stress from being in a confined space for too long.
Step 2: Assess and Acclimate
Check for Transit Stress:
• Inspect Your Tree: It’s normal for fruit trees to experience minor leaf loss or slight drooping after shipping. Check for any broken branches and prune if necessary.
• Acclimate Gradually: Your tree has spent days in a dark box. To prevent shock, place it in a shaded, sheltered spot outdoors for 24-48 hours before moving it into direct sunlight.
Step 3: Find the Perfect Spot
Light and Location:
• Sunlight Needs: Fruit trees thrive in full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for strong growth and fruit production.
• Planting Site: Choose a spot with well-draining soil and enough space for the tree to grow to its mature size. Avoid areas prone to standing water.
• Container Growing: If planting in a pot, ensure it has good drainage and is large enough to support future root growth.
Step 4: Water and Soil Check
Hydration and Nutrition:
• Watering: Check the soil in the grower pot before watering. If the top few inches feel dry, give your tree a deep watering, ensuring excess water drains freely.
• Soil Quality: Fruit trees prefer rich, well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or compacted, consider amending it with organic compost.
• Repotting: If keeping your tree in a container long-term, you may need to repot it in a larger pot with fresh, high-quality potting mix to support growth.
• Fertilizing: Wait at least a month before fertilizing. In spring and summer, use a balanced or fruit tree-specific fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing in late fall and winter.
Step 5: Ongoing Care
Regular Maintenance:
• Routine Checks: Monitor your tree’s health, watching for signs of overwatering, underwatering, or pests.
• Pruning: Regular pruning encourages strong structure and better fruit production. Remove any dead or crossing branches during the dormant season.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree (but not directly against the trunk) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
🌱 Seasonal Tip:
During hot summer months, fruit trees need consistent watering to support fruit development. In colder months, reduce watering as the tree enters dormancy.
