How to Grow Fruit Trees in Coastal North Carolina
- 1). Choose a site protected by other trees or a wall to reduce exposure to the coastal breezes. Fruit trees require full sun for optimal growth and fruit production, so make sure the site is not shaded by the protective barriers. Lower areas should be avoided as well, because they hold colder air that can damage fruit trees with frost.
- 2). Test the acidity and nutrient content of the soil for the area you choose. This helps figure out what the soil requires for fruit trees to grow, such as dolomite lime, nitrogen or compost.
- 3). Dig out a large hole for the fruit tree ahead of time and amend the soil with the recommended nutrients. Mix these additions in well with the native soil and allow adequate time for any fertilizer to soak into the area. Fertilizer can burn the roots of young trees, so use it sparingly and only if the soil is extremely nutrient poor. The hole for planting the fruit tree needs to be at least twice as big as the root ball, and the sides should not be packed.
- 4). Research the best trees to plant for the specific area by asking at local nurseries. See Resources for the recommendations of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
- 5). Plant the fruit trees in late fall or early winter. Dig the hole twice as big around as the root ball and spread a raised bed of soil in a wide diameter around the new tree. The roots should be free to spread out in all directions around and below the tree. Trim back any damaged roots, or roots that are too long to fit into the hole.
- 6). Prune the top of the tree, reducing the branches by about one-third or cutting a single scion back so it is about 32 inches high. This stimulates growth in the spring and balances the root system, according to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
- 7). Mulch around the tree to control weed and grass growth, but leave a space between the mulch and the tree, as it provides a hiding place for small rodents that may damage the tree by chewing on the bark or roots.
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