When To Plant Fruit Trees In Arkansas

Knowing when to plant fruit trees in Arkansas is the first step to a successful home orchard. Getting the timing right gives your trees the best chance to establish strong roots before facing our state’s summer heat or winter cold. This guide will walk you through the optimal seasons, specific timing for popular trees, and clear planting steps.

Planting at the right time is crucial. It allows the tree to focus on root growth when top growth is slow. A well-established tree will be more drought-tolerant, healthier, and quicker to bear fruit. Let’s look at the best windows for planting in The Natural State.

The optimal planting season for Arkansas falls into two main periods. The primary and most recommended time is late winter to early spring. The secondary window is in the fall. Summer planting is generally not advised due to stress.

Primary Season: Late Winter to Early Spring

This is the ideal time for planting bare-root and container-grown fruit trees in Arkansas. The goal is to get the tree in the ground while it is still dormant, just before its spring growth surge.

Timing: Typically from late February through mid-April.
Why it Works: The soil is workable and beginning to warm. The tree can establish roots for several weeks before putting energy into leaves and shoots. As temperatures rise, the tree is already settled and ready to grow.
Best For: All fruit tree types, especially bare-root stock which is only available during dormancy.

Secondary Season: Fall Planting

Fall can be a good alternative, particularly for container-grown trees. It offers a longer, cooler period for root establishment.

Timing: From late September through early November.
Why it Works: Warm soil encourages root growth, while cool air temperatures minimize stress on the above-ground parts. The tree gets a head start on spring.
Caveats: Ensure planting is completed at least 4-6 weeks before the first hard freeze is expected. This gives roots time to anchor. Fall is less suitable for bare-root trees.

Seasonal Breakdown by Tree Type

While the general seasons above apply, some trees have particular preferences based on their hardiness.

Apple & Pear Trees

These hardy trees are very adaptable. They perform excellent with late winter/early spring planting. Bare-root apple trees should absolutely be planted during this dormant period. Fall planting is also very succesful for container-grown varieties.

Peach & Nectarine Trees

These trees are more susceptible to late frosts. Planting in early spring (March-April) allows you to get them established while still allowing you to protect young blooms if a late frost threatens in their first year. Avoid fall planting in colder northern Arkansas zones.

Fig & Persimmon Trees

These are more cold-sensitive. It’s best to plant them in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. This gives them a full season to grow robust before their first winter. In warmer parts of the state, early fall planting can work if you provide winter mulch protection.

Cherry & Plum Trees

Both do well with spring planting. Plums are quite hardy and can handle fall planting in central and southern Arkansas. Sweet cherries prefer spring planting for best establishment.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve chosen the right time, follow these steps to ensure your tree thrives.

1. Site Selection and Preparation

Choose a location with full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the site has good air circulation and well-drained soil. Avoid low spots where frost or water settles.

Test your soil pH. Most fruit trees prefer a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Clear a wide area of grass and weeds, at least 3-4 feet in diameter, to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

2. Digging the Perfect Hole

This step is critical. A proper hole encourages roots to expand into the native soil.

Dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself.
Roughen the sides of the hole with your shovel to prevent glazing, which can prevent root penetration.
Do not amend the backfill soil with excessive compost. You want the roots to adapt to the native soil they will live in.

3. Planting and Positioning the Tree

Handle the tree carefully by its root ball or container, not the trunk.

For container trees, gently remove the pot and tease out any circling roots.
For bare-root trees, soak the roots in water for 4-6 hours before planting.
Place the tree in the hole so the root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) is slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with the native soil, gently firming it to remove large air pockets.

4. Post-Planting Care

The first few months are key for establishment.

Watering: Water deeply immediately after planting. Continue with deep watering once a week unless rainfall is adequate. The soil should be moist, not soggy.
Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (wood chips, shredded bark) in a wide circle around the tree. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Staking: Only stake the tree if it is top-heavy or in a very windy site. Use flexible ties and remove them after one growing season.
Pruning: At planting time, you may need to prune any broken branches. Major structural pruning for fruit trees is best done the following late winter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting Too Deep: This is the number one cause of tree failure. Always keep the root flare above grade.
Over-Amending the Soil: Creating a soft, compost-rich hole can discourage roots from venturing out, leading to a pot-bound effect in the ground.
Overwatering: Soggy soil suffocates roots. Check soil moisture with your finger before watering.
Ignoring Variety and Chill Hours: Choose fruit tree varieties rated for your specific Arkansas zone and that meet the required chill hours for our climate.

FAQ: Planting Fruit Trees in Arkansas

What is the absolute best month to plant fruit trees in Arkansas?

For most of the state, March is often the ideal month. The soil is warming, frost risk is diminishing, and trees are still dormant or just breaking bud.

Can I plant fruit trees in the summer in Arkansas?

It’s not recommended. The intense heat and potential for drought put immense stress on a new tree, requiring constant watering and offering a much lower survival rate. Container trees can be planted in summer but require extreme care.

How late in spring can you plant fruit trees?

You can plant container-grown trees into late April or even May, but they will require much more attentive watering through their first summer to cope with the heat. The earlier in spring, the better.

Is fall planting a good idea for fruit trees?

Yes, fall planting can be very effective for container-grown trees, giving them a long root-establishment period. Finish by early November to ensure roots have time to settle before the ground freezes.

What are the easiest fruit trees to grow for beginners in Arkansas?

Fig trees, pear trees (like Orient or Kieffer), and certain apple varieties (such as Liberty or Arkansas Black) are known for being resilient and productive with less fuss in our climate.

By following this guide on optimal timing and technique, you set the foundation for a healthy, productive fruit tree. Paying attention to the simple details of when and how to plant makes all the difference for years of future harvests. Remember, patience in the beginning leads to plenty later on.