Plant New Fruit Trees and Bushes in November: Tips and Advice for a Healthy Start

November is an excellent time to plant new fruit trees and bushes, allowing them to establish strong root systems before the growing season begins in the spring. Planting during this dormant period gives trees and bushes time to settle into the soil without the stress of summer heat, leading to healthier, more productive plants in the long run. Whether you’re adding apple, pear, plum trees, or berry bushes to your garden, this guide will provide tips on how to plant new fruit trees and bushes in November for the best results.

Why Plant Fruit Trees and Bushes in November?

November is one of the best times to plant fruit trees and bushes because they are dormant, meaning they can focus on root establishment rather than top growth. The cool weather and moist soil conditions typical of late autumn provide the ideal environment for planting. By planting in November, your fruit trees and bushes will have time to develop a strong root system through the winter, allowing them to thrive when the growing season begins in spring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting New Fruit Trees and Bushes in November

Choose the Right Location:

Sunlight: Fruit trees and bushes need full sunlight to produce the best yields. Choose a planting location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained, as fruit trees do not like waterlogged conditions. Sandy loam or loamy soil is ideal, but if your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with organic matter to improve drainage.

Prepare the Planting Site:

Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball or the bare-root plant’s roots. This allows the roots to spread out easily. For bushes, dig a hole deep enough for the roots to sit comfortably and wide enough to accommodate their growth.
Loosen the Soil: Before planting, loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and around the sides. This encourages root growth and helps the plant establish itself more quickly.

Check the Roots:

For Bare-Root Trees/Bushes: If you’re planting bare-root fruit trees or bushes, inspect the roots to ensure they are healthy and hydrated. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for 1-2 hours before planting to help them rehydrate.
For Potted Trees/Bushes: If planting a potted tree or bush, carefully remove it from the container, gently teasing out the roots if they are pot-bound. This helps the roots spread out and prevents them from circling in the planting hole.

Plant at the Correct Depth:

Fruit Trees: When planting fruit trees, the graft union (the swollen area where the tree was grafted onto the rootstock) should be about 2-4 inches above the soil line. This prevents the scion (the top part of the tree) from developing its own roots, which could override the benefits of the rootstock.
Fruit Bushes: For berry bushes, plant them so that the crown (where the stems meet the roots) is at or just slightly above the soil level.

Fill the Hole with Soil: Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently tamping it down as you go to remove air pockets. Be careful not to compact the soil too much, as this can limit root growth. Water the tree or bush thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
Water and Mulch:

Watering: After planting, give your new fruit trees and bushes a deep watering to help them settle in. Continue to water regularly, especially if the weather is dry. However, avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot.
Mulching: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or compost, around the base of the tree or bush. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the soil during cold winter months. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk or stems to prevent rot.

Stake Young Trees: If you’re planting young fruit trees that are not yet sturdy, consider staking them for the first year to provide support. Use soft ties to attach the tree to the stake, making sure the ties are loose enough to allow the tree to move slightly in the wind, which encourages stronger growth.

Benefits of Planting Fruit Trees and Bushes in November

Encourages Strong Root Growth: Planting in November allows the tree or bush to focus on establishing its root system without the stress of supporting top growth. This leads to healthier, more resilient plants in the spring.
Reduces Transplant Shock: Planting during the dormant season reduces the risk of transplant shock, as the plant is not actively growing and is less stressed by changes in its environment.
Takes Advantage of Winter Moisture: Trees and bushes planted in November benefit from the cooler, moister soil conditions, which help the roots settle and grow. Winter rains also help keep the soil consistently moist.
Prepares for Early Spring Growth: By planting fruit trees and bushes in November, you give them a head start on the growing season. When spring arrives, they will already be well-established and ready to put on new growth.

Types of Fruit Trees and Bushes to Plant in November

Apples: Apple trees are ideal for fall planting. They establish strong root systems over the winter and produce abundant fruit once they are mature. Choose varieties that are suitable for your climate and provide good pollination partners if needed.
Pears: Pear trees are also well-suited to November planting. Like apples, they benefit from the cool weather and can establish roots before spring. Make sure you plant at least two varieties if they require cross-pollination.
Plums and Cherries: Stone fruit trees such as plums and cherries can be planted in November. Be sure to select varieties that are appropriate for your hardiness zone, as some stone fruits are more cold-sensitive.
Raspberries and Blackberries: November is a great time to plant cane fruit bushes like raspberries and blackberries. These plants establish roots during the winter and will start producing new canes in spring.
Blueberries: Blueberry bushes are another excellent choice for November planting. Ensure the soil is acidic (with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5), as blueberries prefer acidic conditions. Mulch heavily around the base to protect their shallow roots.

Additional Tips for Planting Fruit Trees and Bushes in November

Consider Wind Protection: If your planting site is exposed to strong winds, consider using windbreaks or planting trees and bushes in a more sheltered location to protect them from winter damage.
Prune After Planting: Lightly prune fruit trees after planting to encourage a good shape and remove any damaged or broken branches. For bushes, prune only to remove dead or damaged stems.
Monitor for Pests: Even in winter, keep an eye on your newly planted trees and bushes for signs of pests or disease. Some pests, like voles or rabbits, may chew on young bark, so protect the trunks with tree guards if necessary.
Avoid Fertilizing Right Away: Wait until spring to fertilize newly planted fruit trees and bushes. Fertilizing in November can stimulate new growth, which is susceptible to frost damage.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: Can I plant bare-root fruit trees in November?
Yes, November is an excellent time to plant bare-root fruit trees, as they are dormant and can establish roots without the stress of supporting leaves or fruit. Soak the roots in water before planting to help them hydrate and settle in.

Q2: How deep should I plant fruit trees and bushes?
For fruit trees, plant them so the graft union is 2-4 inches above the soil line. For bushes, ensure the crown is at or just above the soil surface. Always plant at the same depth as they were in their original nursery pots.

Q3: How long do I need to water newly planted fruit trees?
Water newly planted fruit trees and bushes deeply after planting and continue watering regularly (once a week or as needed) through the fall and winter if there is no rain. Be mindful not to overwater.

Q4: Can I plant fruit trees and bushes in containers in November?
Yes, you can plant fruit trees and bushes in containers in November. Make sure the containers are large enough to accommodate the root system and use high-quality potting soil. Protect container-grown plants from severe cold by moving them to a sheltered location if needed.

Q5: Should I fertilize my new fruit trees after planting in November?
No, it’s best to wait until spring to fertilize newly planted trees. Fertilizing in November can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by winter frost.