Kate Marshall from Waimea Nurseries explains how to plant a bare rooted fruit tree. 

Learn to plant a bagged or potted fruit tree!

Kate Marshall from Waimea Nurseries explains how to plant a dwarf fruit tree into a wine barrel.

Family tree plantings are a selection of deciduous fruit trees planted very closely together, with all branches pruned to grow outwards. Without looking closely, the trees appear to be one.  Family tree plantings means that fruit will be harvested over a longer period with several varieties, rather than a glut over a week or two, while only taking up the space of one tree.

Family Tree Planting - Four Trees in One Hole View Video HereDwarf Fruit Trees in Pots View Video HerePlanting a Bare-Root Fruit Tree View Video HerePlanting a Bagged/Potted Fruit Tree View Video HerePruning - Central Leader for Pipfruit Trees View Video HerePruning - Modified Central Leader for Pipfruit Trees  View Video HerePruning - Vase Shape Tree for Stonefruit Trees  View Video HerePruning - Espaliered Fruit Trees View Video HerePruning - Tree Training Knot for Tying Branches  View Video Here  

A central leader tree has one main, upright trunk with whorls of branches, usually beginning 60-90cm above ground, then again every 45-60cm up the trunk. The shape of a properly trained central leader tree is like that of a Christmas tree, where the lowest branches are the longest and the branches get shorter higher up the trunk. This allows maximum light penetration into the tree. 

The modified central leader tree form is recommended for trees which have no branches when planted and to encourage branches at a specific height. This tree form is most recommended for apple, pear and cherry trees. 

With the open vase system, the leader is removed and 3-5 major limbs are developed as the basic shape of the tree. This training system allows for light penetration into the tree. This tree pruning form is recommended for stonefruit (peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums), feijoa and citrus trees. 

Espalier trees are often grown against a wall, traditionally brick or plaster, but wires between posts can be used to support and train the tree. Using this method the tree creates a part-wall perfect for dividing areas of a garden or edging a kitchen potager, while still retaining sunlight and visibility. 

Training branches to grow horizontally will encourage heavier cropping and less vigorous vegetative growth.  This handy tree training knot is easy to tie, and can easily be untied and adjusted as the branches grow.