[gerard b]

Hi guys I'm new to the forum and very much a gardening novice. I'm hoping some of you can help. I planted several apple and pear trees a few years back. The ground they went in is very poor, just 6 - 8 inches of topsoil before you hit very poor subsoil. I just dug a hole and stuck the trees in. Needless to say they haven't done very well, they are not really growing much at all. I'm wondering is there anything I can do to help the trees along now. Is it possible to improve the soil now by topdressing around the trees every few months with manure or something? One or two of the trees are doing ok, not thriving by any means but I think it would be a shame to dig them up. Any help on this one would be appreciated, thanks.

[Greengage]

what condition were they in when you bought them. If they were good they will improve with time if their growing conditions are improoved. This Autumn dig them up as they are not well established yet. Dig a large hole 1metre sq approx 30/40 cms deep add some FYM to the bottom then add a mixture of good quality top soil and grit replant the tree and stake if necessary, add potash in the spring to help flowering and fruiting and mulch yearly keeping all weeds away from tree at about 1 metre dia. good luck.

[gerard b]

Thanks greengage, there is one pear tree that is doing ok so I think I'll leave it alone. The others I'll take your advice and dig up in the autumn and replant in a large hole filled with good soil/manure. Thanks again.

[michael brenock]

gerardb I thought I answered this question yesterday but it does not appear on the screen. Use good top soil but no dung as it is bad for canker and apple scab. Rather than digging a hole where soil or drainage is poor I would recommend making a mound of soil using a few barrowfuls of soil and plant the trees into the mound. Always stake the trees after planting.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[gerard b]

Thanks Michael, that's a good idea, all taken on board, thanks again.