Planting fruit trees

[JimFromTN]

I am planning on planting some apple, peach, and pear trees. I know fall is the best time to plant but I missed it this passed year. Would it be ok to plant early spring, late winter like early March or should I wait until next fall? Just wondering if the chances of survival increase enough to justify waiting.

 

[Ballerski]

I plant mostly when the tree is dormant. I just planted 6 crab apples last week.

 

[Ballerski]

I plant mostly when the tree is dormant. I just planted 6 crab apples last week.

 

[DaveB]

Yes, early spring will be good. Hopefully you can keep them dormant.

Soil prep is (my opinion) key.

My process was (6 months ahead of plant date) to dig a BIG hole, throw all the dirt away, fill hole with good soil, fertilize like mad, water, turn, etc. Plant the day I bought them, stake well. By big, I mean 4 foot on a side and at least 3 feet deep.

I was successful except for apricots and pears.