An apple tree, of the Malus genus, can typically grow between 12ft and 18ft with some species growing as tall as 36ft. Apple trees are deciduous, meaning their leaves must be shed to the ground one to four times a year. Usually the most vigorous trees are between the ages of five and fifteen years and reach full growth. These trees live very long lives and can, barring extreme weather and pests, live to a ripe old age, often to the length of 100 years or more.
Apple trees are a popular choice for gardens, orchards and larger properties due to their size, durability and preference amongst wildlife. Apple trees thrive in almost any soil except clay and, if pruned correctly, can only grow to a reasonable size for most gardens.
The amount an apple tree grows can be affected by soil fertility and soil moisture, and so providing adequate irrigation for the tree is an important factor. Trees that live in nutrient rich soil have been observed to grow taller than those in nutrient poor soil.
When planting new apple trees, farmers and gardeners should research the recommended planting depth for their species of tree. Different species require different depths, and the most effective will grow to be a larger, healthier tree. For example, a tree planted too closely to a wall or other structure could become damaged as it grows and bends toward the obstruction.
Since apple trees can live long and healthy lives, it’s important to understand the common pests that may harm the tree. These pests can cause serious damage, or even the death of the tree, if they are not controlled. Some common apple tree pests include codling moths, apple maggots, aphids, leaf miners and fire blight. Knowing the warning signs of each of these pests is also important for controlling their damage.
Pruning is also vital for the health and growth of an apple tree. Pruning will reduce the size of new shoots on the tree and can help to prevent the tree from growing too large for the area in which it is planted. That said, pruning should never be too severe or it could cause health issues for the tree.
soil fertility and moisture
Soil fertility and moisture have a tremendous impact on the health of an apple tree and its growth rate. The ideal soil should be nutrient rich, but not excessively so. Soil that is too rich in nutrients can lead to pest problems, such as aphids. Monitoring the soil moisture of the tree is essential to make sure the tree is getting the right amount of water. Too much or too little can lead to deficiencies in the tree and reduce its growth rate.
To maximize the growth of an apple tree, the soil should be fertilized in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer that has a slightly acidic PH. Applying fertilizer in the spring provides needed nutrients to the tree before the growing season and is especially important for trees that have been recently planted. In the fall, an application of fertilizer will provide the tree with nutrients for the cold winter months.
Irrigation of an apple tree is also very important for its growth and health. Typically, apple trees require one inch of water per week, depending on the soil type and climate. An irrigation system should be installed to ensure the tree is getting enough water, especially in drier climates. In especially humid climates, mulch should be applied around the tree to help retain moisture in the soil.
Too little water can cause the foliage to wilt, as well as disturb the tree’s production food storage systems. Without proper hydration, the apple tree will not grow to its full size and will not produce a bountiful harvest.
The ideal PH of the soil will also affect the growth of an apple tree, as a PH below 6.5 tends to stunt the growth of the tree. To check the PH of the soil, a soil test should be taken and the ideal PH should be adjusted accordingly. After adjusting the PH of the soil, the growth of the apple tree should immediately begin to improve.
pests
An apple tree can be affected by a number of pests, and it’s important to identify the pest as soon as possible to take the necessary steps to control the infestation. Common pests include codling moths, apple maggots, and aphids, as well as leaf miners and fire blight. Identifying the pest prior to attempting to control it can help prevent further damage.
Once the pest has been identified, taking steps to control it is important to prevent the possible death of the tree. For example, if codling moths are the culprit, spraying the tree with a preventative or organically approved spray should be done as soon as the infestation is observed. Other pests, such as aphids, can be controlled with neem oil or insecticidal soap, as well as using biological control methods such as releasing lady beetles.
In areas where apple trees are grown in high numbers, preventative measures should be taken to control pests, such as trapping, pruning and removing affected parts of the tree, and removing any diseased fruit. These preventative measures should be done regularly in order to keep the tree healthy and pest-free.
Monitoring the tree for signs of pests and diseases is also important, as well as keeping the tree well fed throughout the growing season. Applying compost regularly to the roots of the tree can help to keep the tree healthy, as well as ward off infestations.
Finally, if the tree is in an area that has significant wildlife, such as deer or raccoons, taking measures to keep them away from the tree is essential. Laying a deer repellant can be helpful in keeping them at bay and prevent damage to the tree. Moreover, if the tree is in an area with many other apple trees, controlling disease spread should be a top priority.
pruning
Pruning the tree regularly is important to maintain its size and health. The best time to prune the tree is in late winter or early spring after the leaves have fallen off. Pruning is done to help shape the tree and promote growth, as well as to remove weak or diseased branches.
To best prune an apple tree, it is important to be familiar with the structure of the tree and to understand where the branches are growing. This is important so that pruning can be done selectively and with a goal in mind, such as increasing sunlight and air circulation. Pruning should never be done too severely, or the health of the tree could be compromised.
If possible, it is also helpful to create a vase-like or round shape while pruning the tree. This helps to maximize the sunlight absorbed by the leaves and branches of the tree, as well as promoting even growth. Additionally, pruning helps to reduce the amount of disease spread to other nearby trees.
Another type of pruning called thinning should be undertaken to reduce the size of the canopy of the tree. This helps to make sure the branches are evenly spaced so that the tree can get the sunlight it needs to grow. Additionally, this pruning helps to open the entire tree and aids in maintaining the shape of the canopy.
When attempting to prune the tree, it is important to use the right tools and to follow safety procedures. Pruning saws, loppers, and shears should be used when removing any branches, and a ladder should be used when pruning branches that are too tall. Protective clothing should also be worn when pruning, such as safety glasses and gloves.
Harvesting
Once an apple tree is mature, it is time for harvesting. Apples typically ripen during the late summer and fall, depending on the variety of the tree. To determine when the apples are ready for harvesting, it is important to look for signs such as the color of the fruit, any changes in the firmness, and the shape of the apples.
It is also important to handle the apples with care while harvesting as they are delicate and can easily be damaged. A cloth or soft gloves should be worn as picking apples off the tree can cause them to become bruised. Additionally, a basket or bucket should be used to transport the apples so they are not damaged.
When harvesting apples, always pick ripe ones off the tree and leave those that are not ready. Apples that are ready to be picked will release easily when a gentle pull is applied, while those that are not ready will typically require a hard tug, which could damage the apple. Apples that are unripe can be left on the tree to ripen, and when ready, can be stored for later use.
Once the apples have been harvested, it is important to store them in a cool place, such as a cellar or basement, or in a cold area with low humidity. Apples can also be frozen and stored for several months, provided they are placed in airtight containers. Apples can also be canned or made into cider or apple sauce for later use.
