Stan's Garden Center | Rooted In Erie | Ep 11 | Fruit Tree Planting

Welcome to the Fruit Tree Planting Episode of Rooted in Erie!

Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about planting and caring for fruit trees—whether you’re dreaming of homemade apple pie or just love the idea of picking fresh fruit from your backyard.

From choosing the right variety to protecting your trees from wildlife, we’ve got practical tips to help your trees thrive from the ground up.

📌 In This Episode:

✅ Why fruit trees are making a big comeback in home gardens
✅ Tips for planting your first apple tree (and what not to do!)
✅ How to protect young trees from deer and wind damage
✅ The importance of staking and stabilizing newly planted trees
✅ Why root health matters—and how to protect fine root hairs
✅ Pro tips on pruning and feeding mature trees
✅ The right way to fertilize older trees using drip-line spikes
✅ The importance of cross-pollination for better fruit production
✅ Why planting multiple varieties boosts your harvest

🎯 Pro Tip: Just planted your fruit tree? Stake it with three hardwood stakes and use soft ties (like dollar store nylons!) to give it support without damaging new roots. Stability = success.

💡 DIY Tip: Use bark wrap or protective tubes to keep deer from destroying your young trees. Especially important in rural or country areas where wildlife pressure is higher!

🌳 Keep Feeding for Success:
Older fruit trees benefit from targeted fertilizing too. Use fertilizer spikes around the drip line—the imaginary edge of the tree’s canopy—to help mature trees bounce back and boost fruit production.

🍎 Cross-Pollination = More Fruit:
Apple trees and other fruits often need a partner to produce their best harvest. Mix varieties to increase productivity and get those bushel baskets full!

🔔 Subscribe for More!
Want to grow your edible garden with confidence? Like & Subscribe to Rooted in Erie for more expert advice and seasonal tips from the team at Stan’s Garden Center. Whether it’s apples, blueberries, or your first backyard orchard—we’re here to help you grow.

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