All The Essentials For Growing Healthy Apple Trees
Growing apple trees can be incredibly rewarding, and as the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It really is good for the heart, soul, and body when you can bite into a crisp apple from your own orchard!
But I will be honest with you from the start, friend: It will require patience and time.
I get it—having a fruit orchard is a dream and always looks so idyllic. This was one of the main things on our bucket list when we moved to the farm. And after several years, I can say that having apple and peach trees is indeed lovely and worth it!
So, if you're ready to embark on this apple orchard planting adventure and anticipate abundant fruit for you and your family, this blog will dive deep into the essentials of growing apple trees. From choosing the best varieties to managing pests and diseases and everything in between.
Let's get growing apples!
Contents:
Selecting the right apple variety
Choosing the best planting location
Selecting the Right Variety
The first decision when planting apple trees is choosing which variety you should plant. With over 7,500 known apple varieties worldwide (phew!), the possibilities can seem overwhelming.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Variety:
Climate Suitability
Apples generally thrive in temperate zones, but different varieties are better suited to specific conditions. Some apples require a cold winter to stimulate bud formation, while others can tolerate warmer climates. For example:
Honeycrisp: This variety is popular for its crisp texture and juicy, sweet-tart flavor. It's cold-hardy, making it an excellent choice for regions with harsh winters (Zones 3-5).
Granny Smith: Known for its tartness, Granny Smith apples prefer warmer climates (Zones 6-9) and are commonly used in baking.
Golden Delicious: This variety thrives in Zones 5-8 and is prized for its sweet flavor and versatility. It's a great choice for fresh eating or cooking.
Pollination Requirements
Most apple trees are not self-pollinating, meaning they need a second tree of a different variety nearby to bear fruit. Cross-pollination is essential for apple trees to produce fruit. However, some apple varieties are partially self-fertile (such as Golden Delicious), but even these will produce more fruit with a pollination partner. When ordering apple trees be sure to ask about pollination. We made this mistake years ago and got apple tree’s that did not bear fruit. Do not make that mistake.
Cross-pollination: Consider choosing two varieties that bloom at the same time for successful cross-pollination. Alternatively, crabapple trees, which are excellent pollinators, can be planted nearby to assist in the pollination process.
Dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties, which are smaller and more manageable for home gardeners, still need the same pollination strategy.
Apple Uses
The intended use of your apples will also play a role in your selection:
Fresh Eating: Varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp are known for their sweetness and crisp texture.
Baking: Apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Rome are popular for baking due to their tartness and ability to hold shape when cooked.
Canning (my favorite use): Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Mclntosh, Braeburn, Crispin, York Imperial, or other varieties that are crisp, firm, naturally sweet, and will retain their shape and texture are some great options.
Cider Making: If you're interested in making apple cider, varieties such as Kingston Black or Dabinett are popular for their high tannin content, contributing to the complexity of the cider's flavor.
Funny story: Way back when we planted our apple trees, I wasn't so interested in tracking and noting everything we grew. Jared went ahead and planted the trees, and to this day, I am not 100% sure what varieties we have! By the looks of it, I am pretty sure we have some Fuji, Jonagold, and Granny Smith apples!
Choosing the Ideal Location
Once you've chosen the right variety, the next step is finding the perfect spot to plant your apple tree.
The success of your apple tree hinges on its location in your yard or orchard, as the tree's access to sunlight, air circulation, and soil quality will directly affect its health and productivity.
Sunlight Requirements
Apple trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Sunlight is crucial for photosynthesis, which drives healthy growth and fruit production. When scouting for the best location:
Avoid Shaded Areas: Trees planted in the shade or under the canopy of larger trees will struggle to produce high-quality fruit and are more prone to fungal diseases.
Maximize Sunlight Exposure: South- or west-facing spots are ideal, where the tree can receive consistent sunlight throughout the day.
Soil Conditions
Apple trees prefer well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in areas where water pools, as apple trees are prone to root rot if their roots sit in soggy soil.
Ideal Soil pH: Apple trees grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. You can test your soil's pH and amend it by adding lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it, depending on the result.
Air Circulation and Space
Good air circulation helps reduce the risk of disease. Crowded conditions, where trees are too close together, can foster fungal infections like apple scab.
Spacing Requirements: Allow adequate space between trees to prevent crowding. Standard apple trees should be planted 20-30 feet apart, while semi-dwarf trees 15 feet apart and dwarf varieties can be planted 8-10 feet apart.
Slope or Elevated Areas: If possible, plant your apple tree on the upper side of a gentle slope or slightly elevated area, promoting drainage and air circulation. A southern slope is also better than a northern slope, which will delay blooming.
Planting Your Apple Trees
Planting apple trees requires careful preparation to ensure the tree establishes itself properly. Proper planting techniques will help your tree get off to the best possible start and reduce the likelihood of transplant shock.
Best Time to Plant
The ideal time to plant apple trees is either in the early spring before the tree breaks dormancy or in the late fall after the tree has gone dormant but before the ground freezes. Fall planting allows the tree's roots to begin establishing before winter, while spring planting gives the tree a full growing season to adjust to its new environment.
Steps for Planting
Bare-Root Trees: If planting a bare-root tree, soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours before planting. This rehydrates the roots and prepares them for better soil contact.
Potted Trees: Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen any circling roots that may have developed. Circling roots can strangle the tree as it grows.
Planting the Tree: We use the Ellen White tree planting method for all types of trees we plant on our homestead. We have seen immense success with this method. Here are the exact steps to plant your apple trees using the Ellen White tree planting method!
Watering and Mulching: Once planted, water the tree deeply to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree, keeping it several inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. However, too much mulch touching the trunk can invite rot and pests.
Staking: Staking may be necessary for the first year or two in windy areas or for young trees with weaker root systems. Use flexible ties to secure the tree to the stake, allowing some movement.
Watering and Fertilization
Watering and fertilization are crucial to ensuring your apple trees grow strong and bear fruit. However, overwatering or improper fertilization can lead to poor tree health and reduced fruit production.
Watering Guidelines
Apple trees need consistent watering, particularly during the first few years of growth, as this is when their root systems are establishing.
Young Trees: During the first year after planting, apple trees should receive 5-10 gallons of water per week, depending on rainfall and local weather conditions. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
Mature Trees: Once established, apple trees are more drought-tolerant, but they still require regular watering, especially during dry spells. A mature tree generally needs about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or supplemental watering. Be mindful not to overwater, as apple trees are susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization Needs
Apple trees benefit from annual fertilization, but it's important to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
When to Fertilize: Apply fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. This timing helps the tree absorb nutrients when it's gearing up for the growing season.
Fertilizer Type: We prefer organic options like compost, well-rotted manure, or bone meal. But ou can also use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium). The nitrogen supports leafy growth, phosphorus encourages root development and fruiting, and potassium promotes overall health and disease resistance.
Amount: For young trees, apply about ½ pound of fertilizer in a ring around the drip line (the edge of the tree's canopy). Increase the amount by about 1 pound per year as the tree matures, but never exceed 5 pounds for a mature tree.
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Pruning apple trees
Pruning (Jared's job!) is an essential part of growing apple trees and is absolutely one of the reasons our trees bear beautiful fruit.
Proper pruning encourages healthy growth, improves air circulation, and ensures that the tree produces high-quality fruit. While it might seem daunting at first, pruning becomes second nature with a little practice and knowledge.
Best Time to Prune
The best time to prune apple trees is late winter to early spring, when the trees are still dormant. Dormant pruning reduces the risk of disease transmission and lets you see the tree's structure clearly.
Basic Pruning Techniques
Remove Dead, Diseased, or Damaged Wood: Start by cutting out any branches that are clearly dead, broken, or infected. This opens up the tree for more vigorous growth and prevents the spread of diseases.
Shape the Tree: Young apple trees should be pruned to establish a strong structure. Most apple trees are pruned to a central leader shape, meaning there is one dominant vertical trunk (the leader) with well-spaced horizontal branches. This structure promotes balance and stability as the tree matures.
Train Scaffold Branches: Scaffold branches are the main branches that grow from the trunk and bear fruit. Ideally, like an upside-down tea cup, you want to train these branches to grow outwards at about a 45-degree angle.
Thin the Canopy: Apple trees need good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Thin out overcrowded branches by removing any that cross over or rub against each other. Keep the center of the tree open to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the tree.
Control Height: Regular pruning also helps control the height of the tree, making it easier to manage and harvest. If a tree is allowed to grow too tall, it becomes difficult to care for, and the upper branches may produce fruit that is out of reach.
Pest and Disease Management
No one likes pests and diseases, but unfortunately, they are a given when it comes to gardening.
Apple trees are no different. They are susceptible to various insects and diseases, but with proper care and monitoring, you can minimize damage and keep your trees healthy.
Common Pests
Apple Maggots: These small flies lay eggs on the surface of the apple, and the larvae burrow into the fruit, making it unsellable.
Prevention: Set out sticky traps to catch adult flies before they lay eggs. Regularly inspect your trees and remove any infested fruit.
Codling Moths: Codling moth larvae bore into apples, leaving behind a trail of frass (insect excrement) and rendering the fruit inedible.
Prevention: Use pheromone traps to capture adult moths before they lay eggs. In severe cases, you may need to use a targeted insecticide like spinosad.
Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects weaken trees by feeding on new growth, which can lead to curled leaves and stunted growth.
Prevention: Spray with neem oil or use ladybugs as a natural predator to control aphid populations. Be careful if using need oil around your garden. It can affect your bees and pollinators.
Scale Insects: Scale insects attach themselves to the bark and feed on the tree's sap, weakening the tree over time.
Prevention: Dormant oil sprays applied in late winter can suffocate scale insects before they become active in spring.
Common Diseases
Apple Scab: This fungal disease causes dark, scabby leaf and fruit lesions. It is most prevalent in wet, humid climates.
Prevention: Prune the tree to improve air circulation and reduce humidity. If scab is a recurring issue, apply fungicidal sprays during the growing season. Remove fallen leaves in the fall to prevent the spread of spores.
Fire Blight: A bacterial disease that causes branches to blacken and die back, giving the appearance of being scorched by fire. It spreads quickly in warm, humid conditions.
Prevention: Fire blight has no cure, so the best defense is prevention. Prune out infected branches 12 inches below the affected area and disinfect pruning tools between cuts to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal infection causes a white, powdery coating on leaves and young shoots, hindering photosynthesis.
Prevention: Prune infected branches, and use fungicides labeled for powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation around the tree to reduce humidity.
Organic Pest and Disease Management
We also prefer avoiding chemical pesticides in our garden and opt for organic solutions whenever possible. Here are a few organic methods for managing pests and diseases:
Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can help control pest populations naturally.
Neem Oil: This organic oil can control a wide range of pests, including aphids, mites, and some types of fungus.
Companion Planting: Certain plants, like marigolds and nasturtiums, can deter pests when planted near apple trees.
Sanitation: Regularly remove fallen fruit and leaves from the base of the tree, as these can harbor pests and disease spores.
Below is our natural pesticide recipe!
How long does it take an apple tree to grow?
Apple trees can take anything from between 2 to 10 years to grow and produce fruit, depending on the type of tree, variety, and growing conditions.
Here’s a breakdown:
Dwarf Apple Trees: These trees, which are grafted onto dwarf rootstocks, begin producing fruit earlier, usually within 2 to 3 years after planting. Because they stay smaller (8-10 feet tall), they reach maturity faster than larger trees.
Semi-Dwarf Apple Trees: These trees are a mid-sized option, growing about 12-15 feet tall. They typically start producing fruit in 4 to 6 years.
Standard Apple Trees: Standard apple trees are larger and take the longest to mature, often taking 6 to 10 years before they start to bear fruit. However, these trees can live much longer and produce larger yields over time.
The specific apple variety also plays a role in how soon the tree will bear fruit. Varieties like Gala and Honeycrisp tend to produce earlier, while others may take longer. Additionally, proper care (watering, fertilization, and pruning) and ensuring good pollination conditions can help speed up fruit production.
Tip! Buy 2 - 3-year-old plants at a nursery, then you only have to wait around 2 years. Yeah!
Harvesting Your Apples
The ultimate reward for growing apple trees is harvesting the fruit of course! However, knowing the right time to harvest apples is crucial to ensure they taste their best and last as long as possible.
When to Harvest
The harvest time for apples depends on the variety. Some apples ripen in late summer, while others don't mature until early fall.
Color: One of the most reliable signs that apples are ready to be picked is their color. The skin of the apple will change from green to its characteristic mature color (red, yellow, or green) depending on the variety.
Taste: Sample an apple from the tree. The flesh should be firm, crisp, and flavorful. The seeds inside the apple should also have turned brown, indicating that the apple is fully mature.
Ease of Picking: A ripe apple will come off the branch easily with a slight upward twist. If the apple resists, it's not ready for harvest.
Storing Apples
Different apple varieties have different storage lives. Some apples, like Granny Smith and Northern Spy, can be stored for several months, while others, like McIntosh, are best eaten within a few weeks of harvest.
Cool, Dark Storage: Apples should be stored in a cool, dark place with high humidity. Ideal storage conditions are between 30-40°F with 90% humidity. If you don’t have a root cellar the refrigerator is a perfect spot for them. They will keep for a very long time this way.
Separate Apples from Other Produce: Apples release ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen prematurely. Store apples away from other produce to extend their shelf life.
Preserving Your Apples
This is my favorite way to enjoy apples all year long: preserving (specifically canning) them! If you have a bumper crop of apples and don't want them to go to waste, there are several ways to preserve them:
Freezing: Apples can be sliced and frozen for later use in baking or cooking.
Canning: Applesauce, apple butter, and apple pie filling are some of my favorite recipes.
Drying: Dried apples make a delicious and healthy snack that can be stored for months.
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my favorite apple recipes
I think you will love these apple recipes as much as my family does!
Mini chocolate-covered holiday apples
Arugula, spinach, and apple salad with salted caramel almonds
Growing apple trees is a long-term investment so the sooner you start the better! It will require careful planning, patience, and ongoing maintenance. However, the rewards—delicious fruit, beautiful trees, and a deeper connection to nature—are well worth the effort, I promise!
By following these in-depth guidelines, you'll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving apple orchard or backyard apple tree that produces an abundance of healthy, flavorful fruit for years to come. Happy growing fiend!
I think you’ll like these blogs too:
How to grow your own peach trees
A beginner’s guide to growing figs
Expert tips on how to grow blueberries
Love, Annette xx
