I'm planning to plant a number of fruit trees at the new house, but it is sandy soil. i've read mixed suggestions on whether to improve the soil around the root ball or to top dress. the suggestion being that improving around the root ball restricts the roots in that area where top dressing encourages the roots to spread. i'm planning to dig the soil around where the new trees will be planted and put bonemeal and a small amount of compost in the soil. Then heavily mulch with manure. just wondered what you guys suggest.
Danjensen, I have heard the same advice. My thought though has been that the constriction of the root ball is more of an issue in hardpan soils not loose sandy ones. I would do just as you have proposed: both methods of soil improvement.
Danjensen, I'm of the same mind as Cayuga. Irrespective of what you do to improve the soil now, over time, the roots will find their own way down and through the soil. Most fruit trees prefer a sandy loam soil, and the fact is, soils that lack nutrients will stunt growth, so keep the nutrients 'flowing'.
We have sugar sand which is worse than a sandy loam. Our fruit trees love it, peaches apples, nectarines,pears and grapes. WE just use a commercial fertilizer about three times yearly. Main thing with fruit trees if you want them to produce well is to make sure that root flare is above ground.
That is where the first two main roots connect to the trunk. It should be at or slightly above ground level. Its part of what feeds oxygen to the tree.
Your local county extension agent will know all about your sandy soil and how to plant trees in it. I have stumbled onto a new web site Google calls it The National Gardening Center but the site calls it The Zone of Smart Gardening. Whatever. It tells in simple, clear language how to get in touch with your local county extension agent --there is one in every county. He or she will know both your soil and weather. It's a free service (well, you paid for it with your tax dollars). Commercial growers use it. You can too. Take advantage.
