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 sunny location with well-drained soil and enough room for the mature canopy. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide, keeping the root flare just above ground level. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.

2. Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, the tree tolerates short dry periods, but consistent moisture supports better fruit development. Avoid soggy soil.

3. Pruning: Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant. Remove dead, damaged, crossing, or crowded branches, and maintain an open, balanced canopy. Avoid heavy pruning, since excessive new growth can reduce fruit production.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if growth is weak or soil nutrients are limited. Avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen, which may encourage leafy growth at the expense of fruiting.