Once the tree is planted, it's almost impossible to re-condition the soil. Fruitful success also depends on the fruit's exposure to wind and sun. The early buds are nipped in a frost three years out of five. A cooler exposure where the plants get full summer sun but are partially shaded in the spring, like on the north or east is best. Knowing how your fruit are pollinated will also increase your harvest.
Apples require cross-pollination.
That means two different varieties of apples need to be in a half block radius so the bees can transfer pollen from one variety to another. A Haralson Apple won't pollinate another Haralson but it will cross-pollinate a Sweet Sixteen Apple. Peaches are like apples and also need cross-pollination. Sour Cherries, like Montmorency and Meteor, are self-fruitful. As the wind blows and the bees buzz, these flowers move their own pollen and bear fruit.