This document provides guidance on systematically planting and propagating fruit trees. It outlines 6 key steps: 1) selecting an appropriate orchard site based on topography, 2) setting an optimal planting layout and system like triangular, hexagonal or square configurations, 3) spacing trees appropriately according to species and soil conditions, 4) preparing the land by clearing it and digging holes, 5) properly planting seedlings during rainy months, and 6) ongoing care including controlling pests and weeds, using cover crops, fertilizing, pruning, thinning, and monitoring for diseases. Following these steps can help establish a successful and profitable fruit tree enterprise.

1. Systematic Way of Planting
and Propagating Trees

2. Tree planting is carried out in many parts of the
world including the Philippines. In fact, students are
encouraged to plant fruit-bearing trees in their
backyard. To have full-grown trees and enjoy their
fruits, this must start with the right way of planting.

3. For a successful and profitable fruit-tree enterprise,
careful planning is very important. In doing so, the following
factors may be considered:

4. 1. Selection of orchard site. The topography and
terrain will determine the type of trees to be planted.

6. Benzone Kennedy F. Sepe is a 30-year-old apple grower in Marawer, Kapatagan, Digos City,
Davao del Sur who grows more than 300 trees of different apple varieties.

7. 2. Setting layout of planting system. The
arrangement of trees in the field is called planting
system. These arrangements are based on the
assumption that all trees will grow equally and will
ultimately reach the size foreseen at planting.

8. Different Planting Systems
triangular hexagon
In hexagonal or triangular system, usually suited for rolling area,
the trees are set at the corners of equilateral triangles.

9. square rectangular
In rectangular or square system, the rows of trees are planted at
right angle with each other.

10. quincunx
In quincunx system, four trees are set in a rectangle and another
tree is planted in the center.

12. 3. Setting the distances of trees. Planting in
between trees varies according to soil conditions,
species, and variety of trees.
• small trees are spaced closely than larger ones.
• fertile soil with abundant moisture, trees are spaced farther.

14. Recommended Spacing for the Fruit Trees
Fruit Species Spacing Fruit Species Spacing
guava 4-6 m persimmon 8-10 m
plum 4-6 m blueberry 1.5-3 m
mango (grafted) 10-15 m avocado 6-10 m
atemoya 5-7 m durian ?
rambutan 8-10 m lanzones 8-10 m
passion fruit 3-5 m white sapote 6-8 m
mandarin orange 4-6 m sweet orange 4-7 m
pomelo 7-10 m lemon 4-6 m

15. 4. Land Preparation. The site must be cleared from
obstructions. Once the planting system and distances
are determined, dig holes where the seedlings are to
be planted. It is also advisable to put fertile top soil
and compost for each hole.

17. 5. Planting the trees. In practice, it is advisable to
plant trees during rainy months. Avoid exposing the
roots of seedlings to the sun or winds. Use top soil to
fill the holes after setting the trees and press gently.
Water these immediately.

19. 6. Care after planting. During the first four years
after planting, care and maintenance for the good
growth are required. These include:

20. * Control of pests and diseases. It
needs regular monitoring for the
occurrence of pests and diseases. Ask
the assistance of authorities on how
to control these.

21. * Use of cover and cash crops. Cash crops are plants with
commercial value planted in between trees so that the spaces can
be used while waiting for the trees to be full-grown and bear fruits.
Cover cropping is the practice usually for rolling or hilly orchards
of providing rows of bushes in between trees to compete with
weeds and to prevent soil erosion.

22. cover cropping cash crops

23. * Prevention of weeds and cogon
grass. Weeds and cogon grass
should be prevented from growing
in the orchard since these are
nutrient competitors of trees.

24. * Fertilization. Before applying
fertilizer, soil analysis may be
sought from experts to find out
the recommended amount of
fertilizers to be applied.

25. * Pruning. Pruning is the practice
involving removal of parts of a
plant such as branches, buds, or
roots.

27. * Thinning. This is the practice of
reducing the number of fruits to increase
the size. The advantages are that
alternate bearing is minimized, insects
are easily controlled, and pests, diseases,
and broken branches are avoided.

28. End of the Slide!