We moved to central Indiana and would like to plant fruit trees this fall. A garden shop in the area told us that we should wait until the Sping to plant. I know that there are pros. and cons. in this topic I just wanted someone else's opinion.

Thanks, Linda

-- Linda (awesomegodchristianministries@yahoo.com), September 27, 2001

Answers

I'm in central MO in zone 5 and we have always had far better luck planting in the fall. Even though the leaves have f , the roots continue to grow until the ground freezes. In the spring the roots start to grow as the ground thaws but before the tree breaks dormancy. The root growth allows the tree to better balance the top's need for nutrients and water with what the roots can provide. Regardless, it's very important to plant the tree in a good sized hole, rough the sides so they don't form an impenetrable "pot" for the roots, and keep any newly planted trees well watered at least for the first season. I also don't use anything but mulch and a top dressing of compost as fertilizer as a high nitrogen fertilizer will promote top growth when you want the roots to grow.

Talk to someone at your Extension office. They may be able to answer your question or refer you to a Master Gardener for what's best in your area. My guess is that the nursery may not have trees in stock and they want you to come back in spring when more are available.

-- (rainbow@ktis.net), September 28, 2001.

You may want to check out the forum for fruit trees at gardenweb:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/fruit/

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), September 28, 2001.

Rainbow hit the nail on the head. That is exactly what the taught us in Master Gardener class. You could go to www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/ and get more info from Purdue University. If you check with some nurseries you might find some on sale because for some reason most people want to plant in spring so they want to unload what they have on hand before winter.

-- Mel Kelly (melkelly@webtv.net), September 28, 2001.

Containerized stock in the fall (or spring) and bare root just in the spring is what I tell folks about hardwood reforestation, I expect the same applies to fruit. Bare root stock tends to frost heave if planted in the fall.

-- Susan (smtroxel@socket.net), September 28, 2001.

Thanks everyone, If I can find container grown apple trees I'll plant this year. I've checked locally here and one nursery did have some "marked down" apple trees not all the varieties that we wanted. We offered them under their 25% off price for all of them they wounldn't take it and because the trees were marked down at the end of season they wouldn't even guarantee them. We walked away and will contintue to look. Thanks again everyone who responded. Linda

-- Linda (awesomegodchristianministries@yahoo.com), September 29, 2001.