Planting a bare root apple tree is a rewarding experience that can give you many years of enjoyment. But it is not as simple as just digging a hole and popping in the tree. For the tree to be healthy and fruitful there are a few steps to follow. Here’s how to do it right.
First, your planting location needs to be carefully chosen. You need to find an area that gets plenty of sunlight and is protected from the wind. This will ensure your tree a better start in life. Test the soil for pH level and add the necessary amendments if the results are not ideal for apple trees.
Next, you will need to dig a hole for your apple tree. Make sure the hole is a couple of inches wider than the root spread of your tree. You also want it to be a little deeper, as the tree should be planted slightly above the native soil level. Before inserting the tree into the hole, you should soak its roots in lukewarm water for up to an hour.
Now you can plant the tree. When placing the tree in the hole, make sure the roots are spread out evenly. Then start filling in the hole with the native soil, lightly tamping it down as you go. Lastly, add a layer of mulch around the base of your tree to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
After planting, give your tree some good loving. Make sure to water it thoroughly and keep it watered throughout its first growing season. Applying fertilizer during this first year may also help to give your tree an extra boost.
Pruning Your Apple Tree
After the initial planting and establishment of your apple tree, you will need to prune it. This should be done within its first year or two of being planted. Pruning is necessary for the proper formation of your tree, as it helps to encourage new branch growth, remove crossing and dead branches, and shape the tree to an ideal form for maximum fruit production.
When pruning an apple tree, aim for an open center with a few branches growing outward and upward. Prune two to four branches in the lower half of the tree, and leave three to four branches in the upper half. Avoid pruning more than 15% of the tree and make sure the cuts are clean and angled away from the center of the tree.
The size and shape of your apple tree at the time of pruning will have a large effect on the amount of fruit it produces throughout its life, so it is important to do it correctly. Pruning techniques can vary and there are many resources available to help you learn how to do it correctly.
Caring For Your Apple Tree After Planting
Once your tree is planted, there are several steps you should take to ensure its health and promote good fruit production. Water is essential; your tree should be watered deeply once a week, or more often if the soil is dry. Mulching around the root area will help retain moisture, while also reducing weeds.
Fertilizer should be added to your apple tree once a year. Choose a fertilizer specially formulated for fruit trees and follow the instructions on the package. Also be sure to treat for any insects or diseases that may be present.
Finally, prune your tree regularly to maintain its shape and keep it healthy. Prune in late winter after any danger of frost has passed and make sure to remove dead or damaged branches as you discover them. Properly pruned and cared for, your apple tree should produce for you for many years.
Budding and Grafting Your Apple Tree
An important part of caring for an apple tree is performing budding and grafting. Budding and grafting give apple trees greater resilience and make them more disease-resistant. It also helps to propagate desirable characteristics, such as sweet fruit or good shelf life, that might not be present in the parent tree.
When performing budding and grafting, choose a scion that is compatible with the rootstock. Make sure to use clean and sharp tools, and apply grafting wax to seal the cut. Finally, prune away any undesirable growth so the energy is directed toward the bud union.
Budding and grafting take a bit of practice, but can be a rewarding part of caring for your apple tree if done correctly. It also helps to create a tree that can stand up to adverse conditions and produce larger amounts of desirable fruit.
Winterizing Your Apple Tree
Caring for your apple tree does not stop with the growing season. In fact, proper winterizing is an essential part of keeping your tree healthy and productive. An important step is to prune away any dead or damaged branches in late fall. This will help protect against potential pests and diseases, as well as reduce the risk of injury from heavy snow and ice.
Also, add a layer of mulch around the root area of your tree in the fall. This will help to insulate the roots and keep them from freezing. Finally, make sure your tree is watered before and after the ground freezes. This will help to keep the tree hydrated throughout the dry winter months.
Overwintering Your Apple Tree
Overwintering your apple tree involves protecting it against extreme cold, heavy snow and ice, and potentially harmful pests and diseases. An important step is to prune away any dead or damaged branches, as these are more susceptible to damage from cold weather. Also, be sure to add a layer of mulch around the root area in the fall. This will help insulate the roots and keep them from freezing.
Heavy snow or ice can cause breakage to exposed branches, so protect them with fabric or other protective covering. Also, if you live in a cold climate, consider wrapping your tree in burlap for the winter months. This will help to protect it against extreme temperatures and keep it warmer during the winter.
Finally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat any signs of infestation or infection as soon as possible. Properly cared for, your apple tree should survive the winter season and be ready to produce an abundance of delicious fruit the following year.
