Nursery Stock Selection

The old adage "you get what you pay for" is an important consideration when buying fruit trees. Bargain plants might not be healthy or might be a variety not adapted to your area. Buy only recommended varieties from a reliable source. Keep in mind the following points when purchasing fruit trees:

• A healthy one-year-old whip, approximately 4 to 6 feet tall, with a 0.5-inch caliper and a good root system, is preferred.
• A smaller tree with a good root system is more desirable than a large tree with a poor root system.
• Trees that are two years old or older often are not as good as one-year-old trees. The older trees frequently do not have enough buds on the lower portion of the trunk to develop a good framework.
• Trees that appear stunted, poorly grown, diseased, or insect-injured should not be purchased.
• Check the label closely to make sure that you are getting the variety and rootstock that you desire.