How To Choose and Plant Peach Trees

Choosing a Peach Tree
When selecting a peach tree from a nursery, choose trees that are about one year old. Trees over the age of two years will have a difficult time thriving in a new location, so younger is better. Choose a tree that is about 4" tall and healthy looking. Avoid those with any signs of disease: an abundance of yellow or brown leaves, leaves with holes or black spots, stunted growth, or damaged root systems. There are a few other considerations when choosing your tree, including:

• Variety - There are many different varieties of peach trees available. Make your choice based first on the climate and growing season. Your local horticultural society can help you with this information or ask a professional at the nursery. Other variety considerations include the taste and texture of fruit produced, and what you'll be using your peaches for. Some types are best for canning and cooking, while others taste best fresh from the branch.
• Chilling Requirement - Peach trees differ from some other fruit trees in that the roots and buds require a certain amount of time to chill in the ground. When planted, the peach stone will open and bud in the summer, and then go dormant when the weather turns cold. The buds then continue growth when they have had enough chilling time. The amount of chilling time needed will depend on the variety of peach tree, and you'll need to match this time to the growing season where you live.
• Size - Consider the size of your garden or property as well as the height of the tree you want. There are decorative and dwarf varieties of peach trees available, as well as those that will grow to be very tall.
• Space - Peach trees are self-pollinating, so you'll only need to plant a single tree to successfully grow fruit. If you want to plant more than one tree, they should be planted in rows about 18" apart.

Planting Your Peach Tree
Planting a peach tree is a simple process, but there are a few steps that need to be taken to ensure that your tree has the best chance of thriving in its new location.

1. Choosing the Site - Peach trees need a sandy, well-drained soil. Water should drain away quickly after a rainfall, and the roots will not survive in a thick, clay-type soil. Full sun is required as well, so ensure that there is no shade blanketing the tree from nearby trees or buildings.
2. Time of Year - Peach trees are best planted when dormant, in the winter or very early spring months. This will allow the roots time to adjust and establish themselves when the warmer months arrive.
3. Soil Preparation - Before you purchase your peach tree, take a soil sample to the nursery to have it analyzed. The garden experts there will be able to tell you if you need to add anything to the soil, such as lime or phosphorous, before planting.
4. Digging the Hole - Create a hole in the earth that is large enough to encompass the entire root system of the tree. Do not add fertilizer to the earth, as it can burn the tree's tender roots.
5. Preparing the Tree - After purchasing your peach tree, soak the roots in water for about 24 hours before planting. Trim off any damaged or decaying roots, being careful not to go overboard in your trimming.
6. Planting - Place the root system of the peach tree in the ground, and cover with soil. Pack the soil in gently as you work. Make sure that the bud union of the tree (the point where the root system meets the tree trunk) ends up about 1 to 2" from the ground level.
7. After Planting - Water the area where the tree was planted, and make sure there are no weeds in the near vicinity. If desired, add a layer of mulch where the hole was dug out to deter weed growth and retain moisture.