- 1). Select a site in an area of full sun with fertile and well-drained soil. An elevated site is best as it minimizes buildup of frost pockets. Peach trees prefer a soil pH of 6 to 6.5.
- 2). Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball for small or medium-sized trees and three times as wide for larger trees. The depth should be the same as the container in which the tree is growing. This is the general rule for planting any tree, as suggested by John E. Kuser in "Handbook of Urban and Community Forestry in the Northeast."
- 3). Slip the tree out of the container. Prune all the roots that appear to be damaged or are too large to fit into the planting hole. Also cut away the ends of the large roots that are heavily twisted. Avoid curling roots to make them fit into the hole.
- 4). Place the tree in the center of the planting hole and fill hole with soil. The graft union on the trunk should be 1 to 2 inches above the soil line. Do not plant the tree very deep as this can cause poor health and eventual death.
- 5). Firm the soil around the roots, making sure to remove all air pockets. Water well. Apply a 4- to 5-inch layer of mulch to help preserve moisture and reduce weeds. Recommended mulch materials include hay and pine straw.
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