So, now that I finally planted my trees (Weds afternoon-evening) I finally really understand the concept of mound planting. Funny how it doesn't make sense until you start doing it, and then suddenly it makes all the sense in the world.

I also now realize one way it would've helped to remove the sod last year and do a cover crop - because I had to also get rid of all the grass roots, I didn't have much dirt from the surrounding area to use for my mound. So, I did end up using a lot of compost under the roots, as well as over them. I might've dug up another area, but dh and I were both sick, so just doing what we did was plenty. (I woke up with 101.7 on Weds morning, dozed most of the day, then when I checked the hour-by-hour forecast, panicked that I needed to get my trees in the ground! So, of course, it didn't rain at all on Thursday.)

So, I did end up with about a 12" mound above the surrounding grade. Since the sump drain goes that direction, I figured better safe than sorry - and hoping the risks of compost vs wimpy roots running into clay are less than root rot. (I also re-routed the flexible sump drain hose to go past the trees - it had shifted over the winter to drain right where the trees were going! Now that the trees are in, it'll be easier to keep track that it doesn't happen again.)

For those who don't remember my original post - I planted 2 apples - Liberty & Goldrush on MM111, Hargrand apricot, and Redhaven peach, both semi-dwarf, from Cummins. I basically followed the directions on their website for planting.

I haven't protected the trees with anything, but now I'm wondering if I need to. There is a row of evergreens to the west of them, so that helps with keeping them cooler in the spring, I'm hoping, btw. There are deer in our neighborhood, but I don't think they like to go on our side of the street - the park is on the opposite side, and I see them a lot in there, and one memorable morning, saw a group walking down the middle of the street. We have a lot of squirrels, and at least one red fox (who seems to keep away the bunnies). I suppose I should go get some wire mesh to put around them to be on the safe side - right?