Fruit trees prefer well-drained soils.  Avoid low areas subject to frost. Elevated sites that are sloped are ideal.

Fruit trees do not require fertile soils.  Soils that are well-drained with some gravel or shale are ideal.  Fruit trees struggle in heavy clay, poorly-drained soils.  In situations where only these types of soils exist, ridging the planting to elevate the tree above the existing soil plane helps rectify this problem.

Fertilize 4 weeks after planting, apply 5 ounces of 10-10-10 per plant about 2-3 feet from the base of the tree.  In subsequent years, broadcast 1/2 pound of 10-10-10 under each tree in the early spring.  Increase the amount applied by another 1/2 pound per year, up to 2 pounds per tree for a dwarf tree, 4 pounds per tree for a semidwarf, and 6 pounds per tree for a standard tree.  Maintain pH at 6.0 to 6.5.  Never fertilize after July 15.

When should I prune?
Young apple, pear and cherry trees should be pruned a minimum of one month before bud break in late February or March.

For more information visit http://ssfruit.cas.psu.edu