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How to plant fruit trees

A Bunnings team member shovelling potting mix into a garden bed

Overview

Fruit trees not only look great, they can be a productive part of your garden. We’ll take you through the steps to plant a fruit tree and have it thriving in no time. Remember to select a site that gets plenty of sun, is well drained and has good quality soil for best results. 

Steps

1Dig your hole

Citrus trees grow best in areas with plenty of sunlight. When digging your hole for the tree, make sure it is twice the size of the root base. It's also good idea to give your tree some room to grow, so leave a clear area around the base. 
A Bunnings team member shovelling potting mix into a garden bed

2Plant the tree

Remove the tree from the pot by giving it a little tap on the edge. Tease out the roots of the tree and then place the tree in the middle of the hole. Backfill the hole with your existing soil so it just covers the potting mix. Then compact your soil so there aren't any air pockets within the hole. 

A Bunnings team member positioning a fruit tree into a hold dug in a garden bed

3Apply seaweed solution and mulch

Following the instructions on the pack, add seaweed extract to your watering can and drizzle on the plant. This will reduce transplant shock and help the roots to establish faster. Then spread 5–10cm of mulch around the base of the tree. This will help the soil to retain water and insulate the tree in winter.

A fruit tree planted in a backyard garden bed
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.