Hello,

That sounds like a delightful project! Here's how you can prepare your site for planting your fruit trees in 2026:

Preparing the Site

Soil Testing & Amendments: Start with a soil test to identify your clay soil's pH and nutrient levels. This will help you understand what amendments might be needed. Michigan State University Extension can assist with soil testing. YOU HAVE DONE THIS AND HAVE THE INFORMATION YOU NEED! Based on the results, you may need to amend the soil with lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Additionally, adding organic matter like compost can improve the structure and fertility of your clay soil.

Irrigation and Drainage: Ensure you have an irrigation plan, as young trees need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Drip irrigation is an efficient method for delivering water directly to the root zones. Proper drainage must also be ensured to prevent waterlogging.

Tilling and Aeration: Till the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches and mix in organic matter to help break up the clay and improve aeration.

Creating Raised Beds or Mounds: Consider planting on raised beds or mounds to ensure better drainage, especially since your site has a slight slope.

Mulching: After planting, use mulch around the base of the trees to retain moisture and suppress weeds. More information at this link:

Smart Gardening: Growing Backyard Fruit Trees - Gardening in Michigan

Layout Recommendations

Planning and Spacing: For semi-dwarf fruit trees, a general guideline is to space them about 12-15 feet apart. Here is a simple layout recommendation for your trees:

Row 1: Apples

Row 2: Pears

Row 3: Plums

Row 4: Cherries

Row 5: Peaches

If possible, plant the rows in an east-west orientation, as this can help ensure they receive maximum sunlight. Consider leaving adequate space between the rows for maintenance and harvesting, around 15-20 feet.

Pollination: If necessary, ensure you plant compatible pollinator varieties. For example, most apple trees need a different apple variety for cross-pollination.

Sunlight: Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day 

Orientation: Consider the natural slope and plant the trees to maximize sunlight exposure and optimize drainage. More information at this link: 

Smart Gardening: Growing Backyard Fruit Trees - Gardening in Michigan

Planting Tips

Planting Depth: When planting, ensure the graft union or root flare is a few inches above the soil surface.

Watering: Water the trees thoroughly after planting and maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil.

Staking: Provide support with stakes, if necessary, particularly on a slope.

More information at this link:

Planting fruit trees - MSU Extension

I hope this helps!