Growing fruit trees is a complex task. On the one hand, it is challenging, requires patience and does not always pay off, and on the other hand, it is an investment with a particularly high return, since for that one-time purchase you will receive a green tree with flowers, shade and fruit for you and for future generations.

What are the main groups of trees in Israel: The trees of the Land of Israel, and primarily the olive tree, are the most authentic and rooted family. These trees have inhabited the country for thousands of years, adapting like a glove to the dry conditions prevailing there, to the soil, to pests and to weather conditions. This family includes, as mentioned, olive trees, carob trees, oaks and more. Olive oil has become very popular all over the world in recent years due to its health properties and in order to satisfy the demand, thousands of dunams of olive trees of various types are currently being planted all over the globe. In Israel, in addition to the various food needs (oil, pressing), it is customary to plant a mature olive tree in the yards of private homes as a symbol of rooting.

Citrus is the first-rate group. In the 1950s, the developing country's economy relied on exporting citrus fruit abroad, and the Jaffa brand conquered the European and US markets. The citrus family includes many types today, the result of various hybrids and genetic research. There are many species of oranges: shmuti orange, Washington orange, blood orange, "tapuzina" (which was not successful), and more. The orange is the basic citrus, but there are also additional subfamilies: lemon, clementine, pomelo, and more. The citrus family originated in China and was brought to our region about 300 years ago, acclimatizing with great success. The fruits of the citrus family, headed by the orange, are rich in vitamin C.

Another noteworthy group is the subtropical trees. These trees include many species that were imported to Israel, mainly during the 1930s, 40s and 50s, and the most prominent among them are the mango tree, the avocado, the carambola, the soursop, and more. These trees are adapted to a slightly warmer climate and have a slightly narrower temperature range than in Israel, but they managed to acclimatize impressively and within a few years, varieties superior to those in the countries of origin were created.

There are many other groups of fruit trees and ornamental trees in Israel, but of the fruit trees, we reviewed the most important ones in the previous paragraphs. Planting a tree is not enough to ensure its absorption and success. Ongoing care is of utmost importance, especially in the first years of the plant's life. Here are a few important rules for planting a tree and caring for it:

When planting, do not break up the root ball. Breaking up the root ball will tear the suckers (the small roots through which water is drawn) and the tree will lose its ability to draw water from the soil. The tree should be planted when the top of the root ball is at ground level and not higher or lower than it. Planting too deep will cause rot, and planting too shallow will expose the tree's roots. When planting, add a little compost to the planting hole. After planting, do not fertilize the tree until it is fully absorbed. Proper use of compost will allow you to grow the tree organically without unnecessary use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. A good irrigation system should be installed and watered using it at short intervals and in relatively small amounts. In any case, if you do not know how to grow the tree you purchased, contact the nursery where the tree was purchased and ask for clear instructions for growing it.