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Bare-root apple trees should be planted in the early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Container-grown apple trees can be planted throughout the growing season as long as they are given enough water.
What is the best month to plant apple trees?
Planting Time In cold northern climates, spring is the best time to plant apple trees. In areas where winter is less severe, early spring or late fall planting is recommended. Remove weeds and grass in a 4-foot circle and dig a hole about 2 feet deep and twice the diameter of the root ball of the tree.
Do you need 2 apple trees to produce fruit?
Answer: Pollination and fertilization are necessary for fruit development. Plant at least two different apple tree varieties within 50 feet of one another for good fruit set. Some apple varieties, such as Golden Delicious, will produce a crop without cross-pollination from a second variety.
Is now a good time to plant apple trees?
In this case it is best not to plant in early winter while the tree is dormant and not actively drawing up soil moisture – better to plant in spring time, when the tree is just beginning to commence transpiration.
Where should I plant my apple trees?
Apple trees will do their best when they are planted in well-drained soil that doesn’t get too wet. They should never be planted in low-lying or wet patches; that’s a job for willows and bald cypress! An ideal location would be a northern or eastern slope, with the apple tree planted near the top in a sunny location.
How long does it take for an apple tree to bear fruit?
Dwarf apple trees will start bearing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting. Standard size trees can take up to 8 years to bear fruit. Some varieties are more susceptible to insect and disease damage than others. Prune annually to keep apple trees healthy and productive.
Can I plant fruit trees in April?
When to plant bare-root fruit trees Bare-root trees can only be planted when they are dormant. This usually means from November to the end of February (or March or even April in the north of Scotland). Do not try to plant bare-root trees once the new season’s leaf buds have started to emerge.
Are apple trees easy to grow?
Growing apple trees organically can be challenging. Sadly, fruit trees also have a down side because they experience pest and disease problems, poor production, and nutrient deficiencies. And growing apple trees is notoriously difficult. When growing apple trees, there are so many potential problems to contend with.
Will a pear tree pollinate an apple tree?
It is best to pollinate fruit trees of the same genus with each other — apples with apples, or pears with pears — but pears can cross-pollinate with apples, as long as both trees bloom at the same time. Some but not all ornamental crabapple trees work for cross-pollination purposes.
How do you take care of an apple tree for the first year?
You will need to prune your apple tree—to train it to a central leader the first year and for maintenance every year after that—to stimulate fruit production and to keep the tree open and balanced. Without regular pruning, an apple tree produces lots of vegetative growth that then turns into fruiting wood.
Are apple trees frost tolerant?
Depending on the type of apple (Malus domestica) tree you are growing, the apple tree freezing temperatures that can damage the plant vary. Apple trees can survive very low temperatures if you prepare them properly for the winter months.
What is the best month to plant fruit trees?
Planting in the late winter or early spring is generally the best time to get your new fruit trees in the ground. As long as the ground isn’t too frozen to dig a hole, you should be good to go. Bare root stock should be planted in winter, while raspberries and blueberries can be planted into spring.
How far apart can apple trees be to pollinate?
Since bees fly between trees, it’s also important to consider the spacing between your apple trees. Plant them too far apart and bees can’t reach the pollinator partners! For pollination purposes, the recommended planting distance for apple trees is within a 100 foot distance.
What should you not plant near an apple tree?
Read our guide on apple tree feeder roots and why you should always prevent grass from growing around the base of an apple tree, especially for young apple trees. Bulbed plants like garlic, onions and leeks, do a great job at repelling grass and weeds.
How do I grow an apple tree in my backyard?
If possible, place the tree in a pail of water to allow the roots to re-hydrate for a few hours or overnight before planting. Plant Properly: Dig a hole at least twice the width and depth of the root system. Look for the graft union on your tree as well as the slight change in color on the bark just above the roots.
How much room does an apple tree need?
The following are some of the basic space requirements for fruit trees. Standard apple trees need 30 to 35 feet (9-11 m.) between trees, while semi-dwarf apples require 15 feet (5 m.) and dwarf apples need only 10 feet (3 m.)Apr 21, 2021.
