1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a site with full sun, well-drained soil, and good air circulation. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper, keeping the root flare just above ground level. Space away from buildings and competing trees.

2. Watering: Water deeply after planting and regularly during the first growing season, allowing the upper soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, provide supplemental water during extended dry periods and while fruit is developing. Avoid persistently soggy soil.

3. Pruning: Prune in late winter before new growth begins, training the tree to an open-center shape for better sunlight and airflow. Remove dead, damaged, crossing, or inward-growing branches. Thin young fruit to about 6 inches apart to support better size and reduce limb stress.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fruit-tree fertilizer in early spring as growth begins, following label rates based on the tree’s age and size. A lighter feeding after harvest may benefit young trees. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of fruit.