How to Plant a Bare Root Fruit Tree with

[@epicgardening]

Thanks to Tom Spellman for coming by the Epic Homestead to bestow his wisdom on us, check out his channel here: kzbin.info/door/5-8WiK7d8FWiOTl52GGibg

[@IVOrganic]

We’re SO PROUD to be a part of your growing successes! Looking forward to seeing this cherry tree grow into an Epic productive tree! 🍒🙌 Happy Gardening 2024!

[@epicgardening]

Fingers crossed!

[@typorter-pp6lh]

So jealous, getting a visit from Tom Spellman to improve my backyard orchard would be a dream come true for me. Yes I am a fruit tree geek!

[@epicgardening]

He's a legend

[@tubes9181]

Delicious!

[@kirstinbone]

Love when you bring in experts and let them shine

[@robynfree1558]

I literally gasped when he did that first prune! I guess I have a lot to learn about fruit trees! We are buying our first house next month, and I am so excited to start getting planning and planting!

[@paulmvn5431]

Get the book by Jean-Marie Leapinasse and Evelyne Leterme; it'll teach you why what he did is wrong.

[@MyFocusVaries]

I've used this method with an apple tree and two damsun plums, since I have a very small yard. It's very effective for creating smaller trees for a backyard orchard, that produce fruit in a zone where you can reach without climbing on a ladder.

[@Cody_Ramer]

​@@paulmvn5431it's not wrong if you want a small tree for the backyard, but if you want a bigger, more productive tree you wouldn't want to use methods for small mini orchards..

[@GoingGreenMom]

I haven't pruned any of my trees as hard as he does. I can't reach the top of my semi-dwarfs, but seems much much more natural. I am 15 years in and having some disease problems from not pruning enough, but it has to do with airflow and fruit causing breakage rather than not pruning enough when they were small. Highly recommend the book The Backyard Orchardist if you don't mind slightly more natural pruning. I am fine sharing some fruit with nature.

[@Plantandpeoplecarer]

And Jacques just doing his thing in the background❤️

[@HarvestingFaithHomestead]

My husband finally agreed to let me get a peach tree! I’m stoked! I’m in WI zone 4 so we have a while yet before we can plant anything, but I can’t wait to grow peaches in my own back yard.

[@epicgardening]

Best of luck growing!!

[@crab_aesthetics]

Howdy neighbor, I'm also in zone 4 WI, and also planting first peach trees this spring! Hopefully we both have good luck and they survive the winter!

[@EP-qi8ed]

Best if you have 2 of any species, even if they are self-pollinating. They'll produce more that way. If you see peach leaf curl the first year you own it, make sure to spray it in the winter to prevent it the next season.

[@Sarah.ann.]

I am also from WI! Will be planting first apple tree this spring!

[@Cody_Ramer]

​@@crab_aesthetics I'm in a similar situation, have another month and a half or so till my fruit trees ship out. I just hope they all survive the first winter..

[@mel-il4yu]

Thank you Epic editor for zooming in. That was helpful.❤

[@ThreeJcoaching]

This video was so perfectly timed. I literally bought 4 apple trees from the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District YESTERDAY. Never planted a tree before and I will get them this coming April. I can wait to get my own locally native apples! Starting my own orchard in my own home. God Bless.

[@epicgardening]

That is awesome!

[@pauldomorev2918]

God bless you too

[@veronicapeddie7606]

How to gro​@@epicgardening

[@Sue-ec6un]

Great! I wish you great success!

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

My new Royal Crimson is already budding out at 3 weeks in the ground! I never thought I'd be able to grow cherries...very excited!

[@canorth]

I've planted north privet bare roots because they "grow really fast" and I want a hedge to block some strong winds coming from a nearby canyon. Two years later, I've got slightly larger sticks.

[@earthisflat]

Man there is such a different in flavor when you pick and eat grapefruits right from the tree, had my first pink grapefruit right off the tree yesterday it was the first time Ive eaten a grapefruit that taste more sweet than bitter, every grapefruit I've eaten from the grocery store in the past was incredibly bitter, definitely recommend planting a fruit tree it might take a few years to get fruit but trust me when I say it is well worth it 👍

[@epicgardening]

It’s hard to beat!

[@Cody_Ramer]

Aw man, reminds me of climbing up my grandfathers pear tree to pick a perfectly ripe fresh pear, nothing store bought can even come close!

[@timjoyner174]

I would have never thought to dig a hole and add water to see if it drains well before planting a tree. 👍🏿

[@snsnplpl]

Never ever plant a rootball with the burlap still on it. Landscapers do it because it is faster, but the burlap does not rot away fast enough. Follow the rules of 3 with mulch- 3 inches away from the trunk, not more than 3 inches deep and spread out 3 feet from the trunk.

[@kaptynssirensong2357]

Thank you!!

[@snsnplpl]

@user-ey2ei5yv3f the roots need to be in direct contact with soil so removing all the burlap after putting in the hole is fine. When you take the plant out of the pot, remove that nursery 'soil' which mostly consists of wood chips and perlite, rinse the roots to get it out. If your soil has a lot of clay and the sides of the hole are smooth/slick, almost glazed looking, score it with a hand trowel or even a fork because the 'glaze' will act as a barrier as well. Build up and slightly compact a mound in the bottom of the hole so the tree does not settle downward, eventually putting the root collar below the natural soil level. When you fill the hole with dirt (not compost), water well, adding more soil as needed and jiggling the tree to shake loose any trapped air and keep the root collar at, or even slightly above, ground level. The roots in this demo are straight. If your roots have curved from being in a pot, prune off the curve, you do not want roots curving as they grow, you want them to go out straight into the soil. Be sure to monitor soil moisture for a year or so, the roots arent deep enough yet to tap into subsoil moisture. It's also best to plant in the fall to give the tree some time to get established before the heat of summer, but keep checking that moisture. Also prune the top quite a bit. There has to be enough root mass to support the foliage above. At this point your tree may be looking pretty hacked on, but if you do the roots right, the tree will catch up and surpass anything you just take out of a nursery pot and drop in the ground. Don't fertilize for at least a year, if ever.

[@MyFocusVaries]

​@user-ey2ei5yv3fyou have to remove the entire piece of burlap

[@snsnplpl]

@user-ey2ei5yv3f part 1the roots need to be in direct contact with soil so removing all the burlap after putting in the hole is fine. When you take the plant out of the pot, remove that nursery 'soil' which mostly consists of wood chips and perlite, rinse the roots to get it out. If your soil has a lot of clay and the sides of the hole are smooth/slick, almost glazed looking, score it with a hand trowel or even a fork because the 'glaze' will act as a barrier as well. Build up and slightly compact a mound in the bottom of the hole so the tree does not settle downward, eventually putting the root collar below the natural soil level. When you fill the hole with dirt (not compost), water well, adding more soil as needed and jiggling the tree to shake loose any trapped air and keep the root collar at, or even slightly above, ground level.

[@snsnplpl]

@user-ey2ei5yv3f part 2 The roots in this demo are straight. If your roots have curved from being in a pot, prune off the curve, you do not want roots curving as they grow, you want them to go out straight into the soil. Be sure to monitor soil moisture for a year or so, the roots arent deep enough yet to tap into subsoil moisture. It's also best to plant in the fall to give the tree some time to get established before the heat of summer, but keep checking that moisture. Also prune the top quite a bit. There has to be enough root mass to support the foliage above. At this point your tree may be looking pretty hacked on, but if you do the roots right, the tree will catch up and surpass anything you just take out of a nursery pot and drop in the ground. Don't fertilize for at least a year, if ever.

[@crab_aesthetics]

Perfect timing on this video, I just ordered 9 bare root fruit trees (2 varieties of peaches, 2 varieties of pears, 2 varieties of plums, and 3 paw-paws) along with some black locust trees, now I have a pretty good idea what to do when they get here. Thanks!

[@Sue-ec6un]

I love my locust trees! The flowers are amazingly prolific and fragrant! I also am waiting on my fruit trees...It seems a little late them getting here but...nothing I can do about that now. My microclimate has confuzzled my local fruit tree producer... Good luck and have fun growing!

[@nickadams2361]

this is perfect, I just bought a house and this is exactly what I want to do in my front yard

[@margehayes9096]

Question on pruning angle. It appeared the cut on the cherry had the angle going towards the bud. I had always thought angles should be away from the bud, thereby diverting moisture from bud (?). Does it matter?

[@naebaby21]

This was so helpful! I love that you brought an expert in to help!

[@critterdude311]

I trust old wise men like this. Years of wisdom. Well done!

[@brittany6429]

The one thing holding me back from planting fruit trees (and other fruits) is knowing how to deal with birds and bugs eating them. Would LOVE to watch some kind of video about this!

[@Pippinshome]

Perfect timing on the upload my friends, I'm about to pick up my first bare root trees. Love your channel and Im glad to see you've uploaded this!

[@resourcefulgirl]

Very interesting. I planted a small orchard using the Ellen White method. Her method placed the amendments in layers in the ground to prep for planting the tree. It was extremely time consuming. Unfortunately, I never had an opportunity to see the end result because one morning I woke up and noticed the entire orchard was destroyed by deer. Talk about being decapitated!! They are all still in the ground with about 2 feet remaining and maybe there's a slim chance some will still survive but I doubt it. I don't believe any buds were left. I'm new at this and I have a lot to learn. I'm going to try his method this next round. Or maybe do a few different things to compare outcomes. I've never heard of painting the tree which makes perfect sense!

[@resourcefulgirl]

@Ni-dk7ni Good to know! Thank you :)

[@Sue-ec6un]

Maybe a high fence before trying again...8 ft. fencing...TALL order :)

[@resourcefulgirl]

@@Sue-ec6un I think you're right Sue!

[@rachelsmith5770]

That first cut takes a lot of faith. Thank you for bringing Tom on to share. This is awesome.

[@BHuesmann]

Thanks so much for having someone like Tom on. Loved his expertise! I would love if someday you can touch on how to do this in other climate areas, like the tropics! My family purchased land in Costa Rica that has at least 20 different kinds of mature fruit trees/bushes, and my Spanish isn't good enough yet to completely learn from the locals so any and all help would be appreciated! I've got 6 Brazilian guava saplings and 3 Cherimoya (Soursop cousin) saplings that I know I need to plant once our rains start to return, but that's about as far as I've gotten. Mulch isn't really used down here because it degrades too quickly, so I've taken to using shredded coconut fibers and pieces of banana leaf to help retain moisture and inhibit weed growth by *all* of my plants, including my Starfruit sapling and others. Lots of fertilizer available though, both the homemade and commercial kind!

[@LadyMoringaAndTheCallalooMan]

I wonder if he put the parts he pruned off in some dirt because he could grow some more trees

[@slowpoke4557]

I just bought a bare root peach tree yesterday and had to make sure i was going to plant it right. Looked it up and your video was the first one to be recommended. I guess that means your video is the best 👌 😊 Glad i watched as i was a little off on a couple points.... thank you for all your informative videos Team Epic Gardening, Kevin, Jaques and everyone else! ❤

[@graveyardbby7709]

starting our spring planting here in zone 9a! ❤ peach tree started blooming this morning🌸 Love the vids!

[@epicgardening]

Good luck!!

[@graveyardbby7709]

@@epicgardening Thank you!💓

[@bigboyfishing8244]

Just planted a apple tree in my garden, some good tips 👍

[@robertreznik9330]

Yes, it is much better to plant a bare root then prune a good amount. The next year also the first summer the tree will grow much better than one planted in the spring from a container. Amendments are not that beneficial. Using native soil is better than compost around the roots. This is very good information.

[@Magdis_Plantitas]

Es correcto

[@foodnwords]

This is so helpful Kevin, I have a baby peach tree on my property that I inherited when I bought my home and I have been so nervous to prune it (its still young enough that it does not produce, but I don't actually know *how* young it is).

[@Kermits_Ghost]

Very detailed, step by step guide to growing a bareroot fruit tree. Even better to get a proffesional grower. Thanks for the Epic video! 😄🌻🌱

[@heyheysteven]

Lots of great information in this one. Thanks Kevin and Tom! Just asking for a friend here... what if you unexpectedly walk out of the store with multiple bare root trees when there was only 1 on your list? What kind of spacing between trees would we be talking about here? 4-5 ft?

[@crab_aesthetics]

Depends on the tree, you don't want them to block each others' sun. People usually recommend 10 - 15 feet.

[@petersoos498]

Go to Dave Wilson Nursery online, click on the 'Home Garden' link and then 'Backyard Orchard Culture'. That shows you how to grow fruit trees in a backyard garden, planting, pruning to harvest without a ladder and acres of space. Following it helped me rethink decades of commercial agricultural thinking and made my home fruit growing a breeze. Thanks and happy gardening.

[@afrocraft1]

Would you similarly "decapitate" a persimmon sapling?

[@Dream_more_age_less]

I learned a lot from this episode, THANK YOU

[@SolidGoldShows]

Good information. Thanks guys for sharing

[@maxxcells]

There’s been studies and experiments on apples with 800 chill hours in southern California and still fruiting. I’m about to do the experiment myself with some rose apples.

[@zach9036]

Great timing on this video! I have 3 fruit trees coming in next month.

[@MizuMing]

After seeing the hole that Jacques dug for his trees I'm surprised the one that Kevin made was so small. 😅

[@cheriekalel9578]

Jacques stated in his video that he was trying the big hole method because he was impatient, and wanted fruit sooner.

[@lvthunder]

Just like most things in life there are multiple ways to do just about everything.

[@TheBusyGardener]

Kevin, you got visited by KZbin Gardening ROYALTY! Tom is the man (and a great guy)! Nice work, guys!

[@terrivance8750]

Thank you, Kevin, & thank you, Tom--great info! 😊

[@PaypierLoVer]

Hi. 1st time with a question. It is, how do I get rid of moles, ground squirrel or gophers. I have tried everything. Love your channel. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@lyndelgado6138]

Gopherhawk is effective. Next level gardening uses n recommends it. Doesnt have other critters so not sure if it will work on them.

[@pascalxus]

Fruit Treees are Awesome! Quick question: what should I do if my citrus trees are not growing? I've got several that are about 2 or 3 years old now and they're about the same size as when they went in or a bit smaller. is there anything that can be done? should i fertilizer more?

[@hardstylzz5024]

I have some Satsumas and lemons here in South Georgia I'm fertilizer right now end of Feb and in April and in June. They need nutrients now for the blooms and spring & summer growth.

[@rachelsmith5770]

Check to see if you are watering slow enough and deep enough to penetrate down through 10"-12" of the soil, then allow the top few inches of soil to dry before watering again. I chronically underwatered my citrus at first by going shallow and too often. The didn't really as a result.

[@ohhslayme]

I like the classic Spellman entrance by puff of magic smoke.

[@kristynyoung1895]

This was a fantastic video, thank you! I am looking to start a backyard orchard on my property but have no idea where to find someone to help me plan it. I am afraid any old arborist won’t understand the fruit trees and how I want to keep them (like you, 50 good lemons not 500). Any suggestions how to find someone to help me map a plan on my property? Thank you!

[@sharongarrett4356]

Check out the one on the coast of North Carolina-- I think he's the Millenial Gardener. He prunes & shapes his trees like crazy for maximum output in a small space. Not sure I could do it, but the tips are helpful!

[@petersoos498]

Go to Dave Wilson Nursery online, click on the 'Home Garden' link and then 'Backyard Orchard Culture'. That shows you how to grow fruit trees in a backyard garden, planting, pruning to harvest without a ladder and acres of space. Following it helped me rethink decades of commercial agricultural thinking and made my home fruit growing a breeze. Thanks and happy gardening.

[@TheRooflesstoofless]

I like to add new biochar to each of my plantings. Prevents leaching

[@rhinadalmacio5930]

So I guess I don’t need to get a dwarf variety of fruit trees? I can just control height of standard size trees by pruning?

[@Gardeningchristine]

Can I plant a small fruit tree behind my tall raised beds? As in on the north side so the bed gets the sun first, maybe 3-4 feet back.

[@epicgardening]

Seems doable as long as you keep it well managed!

[@sixtyplus1839]

Be careful because roots from the tree will eventually invade your raised beds.

[@quynhnhi189]

Love this video! Thanks so much for all these helpful advices 🌿🌿

[@upliftlife11]

After seeing your fruit tree haul video, I got a Royal Crimson cherry tree too! 😁 🌳 🍒 great tips on planting bareroot

[@yelitzandiaz]

Where was this video when I bought my first fruit trees almost two years ago 😭 I bought two hazelnut trees, any advice on how to care for them? Nutrients? Soil? Etc?

[@jamiecool8370]

Love the vid more content on fruit trees are always welcomed. I would like to know how you manage to keep a record of everything you planted and which time of year the fruit trees will produce thanks

[@logtop6416]

I live in europe in zone 8a and i bought in february a bare root 2 year age pomegranate tree at 1.5 meters ( 5 feet) height, planted it in a 30 litre (8 gallons) pot in a sheltered spot where temperatures during the night didn't go below freezing. It's may and it didn't leaf out yet, i have another pomegranate tree that is smaller that did leaf out at the end of march/beginning of april. Other people's pomegranates and figs that grow in my area are full of leaves, so i guess it's not an issue with the climate. I think it's gone and won't come back to life, but what do you guys think? Should I wait until summer or throw it out?

[@catherinedonley2781]

I live in zone 6-our hottest summer temperatures are around 95 F at high noon for a couple of months straight during a hot summer. Our cool summers only break 90 F a handful of days. Should I still whitewash the tree trunk since the heat is less intense here than in San Diego?

[@GoingGreenMom]

Thanks for the info Kevin and Tom! Do you mind if I ask what your environmental type is? Like would it naturally be a desert?

[@MikeR81]

I planned 3 bare root peach trees. I cut them as I have seen done by Tom. So far only 1 of them has shown new growth. I am nervous I may have killed the other 2 trees. I am in zone 7A and it has been 4 weeks now. How long should I let stay in the dirt before I remove and replace? Anything I should look for to confirm they haven't made it? Thanks for any advice

[@emilyandersen8963]

Trick my parents did with gophers. You know how you can blow across a bottle to make it whistle? Burry a few bottles so the wind can blow across the top. The vibrations in the ground scares them off

[@moonbladem]

Very helpful tips. Much appreciated! 👍

[@BoothbyGardens]

My bare root Trees arrive at the end of April. I'll be back!

[@rogersanders967]

Hey there hello. Thanx for the info and tips. I got 10 new fruit trees and I was wondering if I could do a video call with you and get your input on where to cut these and maybe some tips. Would that be okay?

[@TeleCS]

In Melbourne, Australia and summer here. How do I manage leaf curl on my weeping cherry. The leaves are curled and brittle.

[@somethingstupid699]

Learned a lot from that expert

[@crature14]

“Do I just go straight in raw? Is that your preference?” 😎😎😎

[@Dimka2]

I got a massive gopher problem, I see you using root basket, I got few questions how big should root basket be? they sell stainless steel ones is that one we need or do you want galvanized steel?

[@GeorgeLucas1138]

MORE FRUIT TREE CONTENT!!!! CHUG CHUG CHUG CHUG CHUG!!!

[@EP-qi8ed]

I agree. I'd love a video for how to prune each type of fruit tree....peach....apple.....plum.....pear.......fig......

[@GeorgeLucas1138]

@@EP-qi8ed we will get those in time. There are a few other channels I like that have solid guides.

[@bethb8276]

Avacado too.

[@LifeHomeandGardenwithAnaRica]

Thanks this is very helpful!

[@HeatherH1]

How do you research the variety for your area? Is there a website for fruit trees?

[@Fil-AmGardening]

Hi Kevin, first to comment Very nice content as always Your videos are a big help

[@epicgardening]

Glad you like them!

[@Sue-ec6un]

I have a question: Can I plant my blackberry bushes in 100% manure COMPOST??? I have done it with other plants but some of these people are stressing me out...I mean they are brambles...

[@shellyneal7466]

I forgot to plant my trees in baskets. If they have only been in ground for 2-3 weeks can I dig up and replant? I have huge gopher problem.

[@sallywatts6514]

Can you prune all bare root fruit trees down to a stck, or just cherries?

[@bostonshima2826]

@epicgardening - Hello, love your videos. I watched the container berries video you did 2 years ago, and was hoping for some information on where to purchase some "baby cakes" blackberry, container plants? I live in La Palma, Orange County, CA, and am having a hard time finding places that have them available. I have looked online and I see the bare root blackberry bushes available, however, i am also seeing a lot of bad reviews about how the plant arrives. I was watching this video because of the "bare root" title but you are working mostly with fruit trees such as the cherry you planted. When I looked online, I also typed in Bushel & Berry and what pops up is Home Depot and Target. Are there any sites that you could recommend or do you know of any nurseries in the area that may have live, blackberry bushes in planters? Thank you for any information/help.

[@ADgnt]

Really want to plant miyazaki mangoes at my farm in india!!!! Just got the land ready!

[@M_Sefat]

I want to know something. Suppose a plant is propogated from cutting. Is it possible to make bareroot?

[@hyzerfish6596]

What size is the gopher basket? Does it degrade over time?

[@lvthunder]

I don’t think so. The roots just grow through the holes. Then if a gopher eats the roots it can’t get enough of them to kill the tree.

[@G.G.T.]

does Tom still work with Dave Wilson? I see no ad placement so I am guessing its a NO?

[@nguyeyemarumba4241]

I was looking at the steel net, won't it affect the root growth in the future?

[@natemissin3893]

Love seeing jacky boy in the background

[@kenpachimuay5627]

Dude, face was like 😱 my empty branch just got cut in half 😂 dude like, let me cut my 2nd stick 😂😂

[@orlandosullera7657]

is it still ok too late to plant bare root apple tree this May, my location is the Bay Area CA.

[@fishingwithfilitsa]

Great video

[@jiggadaboom]

"Do i just go straight in raw....is that your preference" 😂 yes i am a child

[@willmallory9085]

Excellent video Team

[@devinpowers4368]

This guy shows up and cuts all Kevin's plants and then says, "we would prune here" and then just cuts. 🤣

[@tankthetortoise5650]

Are the bare root trees better than buying normal pottery trees?

[@epicgardening]

It’s a trade off. They’re cheaper but slower to grow. But you can often get more varieties in bare root format

[@tankthetortoise5650]

Ok thanks I might have to get some

[@gardentours]

It feels always strange to prune them right after you bought them 😉

[@MyFocusVaries]

If you wait to prune, the tree grows in a direction you don't want, which you then prune off, so it has wasted that effort. Pruning early gives the tree some "direction" about where you want it to put its energy.

[@MickyBellRoberts]

A very nice video my friend.

[@WinniRayleign]

As the rest of the world is walking out the door, your best friends are the ones walking in.

[@skyway000]

Just watched Jaqs video on this last night lol ❤

[@epicgardening]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@shankyxyz]

holy crap are people so lucky to have that kind of soil? my soil, if you need an elephant to push in that shovel that easily.

[@X360DevNerd]

wont the roots get root bound in the cage tho

[@lvthunder]

They grow through the holes.

[@josephalvarez6735]

2025 which is next year should be the finished product? I'm wondering are you going to go back and review this video and actually see the finished product or was this property sold before that point

[@Chrysaphius86]

Whoa how did you poof your guest in there like that?? Wow….

[@Oltoir]

6:33 😳👀😏 (but seriously, great vid!)

[@epicgardening]

🥸🥸

[@anniejefferson7329]

Always remember the cross pollinate rule. ❤

[@EP-qi8ed]

I'm not understanding why DaveWilson allows the 1-2 year old trees to grow so tall only to prune 1/2 off after delivery....Why not prune it before shipment? Or prune it in their fields to start shaping them before they reach the customer? Note: I have dozens of DaveWilson fruit trees ordered last year for my zone. I haven't pruned any of mine.

[@lvthunder]

They probably sell better that way. I don’t think everyone would buy a stick with a few roots on it. Plus it takes labor to do all that trimming.

[@EP-qi8ed]

@@lvthunder You're right...I'd be pissed if I received young trees where the tops were hacked off. I need a follow-up video on this in 2 years comparing this heavily pruned young tree to another young tree that is only lightly pruned. Seems too extreme to me.

[@michael_rodriguez]

Well

[@RolloTonéBrownTown]

Hmm, great sense of humour, shorter in stature, delights in gardening...Tom is a hobbit?!

[@amoyp.]

👍

[@magspies]

good vid, but tom pruned that cherry TOO short! he cut it for his (short) height, not the super tall guy (whos tree it is) standing next to him 🙄😅

[@muyoso]

I don't want 10,000 peaches?