Site Selection and Placement of Fruit Trees Horticulture Site Selection and Placement of Fruit Trees Selecting a proper planting site and placement are critical when planting fruit trees in the home garden. While fruit trees can be grown on a wide range of soils, good soil drainage is imperative. Apples and other fruit trees do not tolerate well soils.
Fruit trees planted in poorly drained soils grow poorly and often die within a few years.
Well-drained soils allow for good root growth. Most fruit trees grow well in fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. If possible, conduct a soil test before planting to access the nutrient status and pH of the soil. If the soil test reveals nutrient deficiencies or a pH problem, they can be corrected before planting. Because of space restrictions, planting sites are often limited in a home garden.