It is an interesting quandary whether an apple tree is evergreen or deciduous. The answer can vary from one species to the next. Generally speaking, the majority of apple trees available today are deciduous, which means that they lose their foliage during the colder months of the year. However, there are certain species of apple trees that are evergreen, meaning that they remain covered in foliage all throughout the year. As such, to answer the initial question accurately, it depends on the species of apple tree in question.
On a more detailed level, it is important to consider the fact that apple trees can be classified either as self-fertile or self-infertile. Self-fertile apple trees are able to produce fruit without cross-pollination, while self-infertile apple trees require cross-pollination in order to bear fruit. The evergreen species of apples tend to have higher self-fertility, which explains why they can remain green all year long.
Also, in terms of foliage, there are some species of evergreen apple trees, such as the ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’, that keep a much fuller, greener foliage during the winter months than their deciduous counterparts.
When selecting an apple tree for purchase, it is also important to consider how it will affect the garden as a whole. Evergreen apple trees are not recommended for areas with cold winters, as the foliage will not drop and therefore can easily be damaged by frost. Additionally, evergreen apple trees tend to require more water and fertiliser in order to keep them healthy over the long term. On the other hand, deciduous apple trees can be a great choice for areas with cold weather, as the cold weather helps them to shed their old leaves and harden their wood in preparation for blossoming in the spring.
Finally, even if the species you choose is evergreen, it is also important to consider when the particular variety goes into full bloom. Some varieties of evergreen apple trees may bloom in late summer or early autumn, while others may not bloom until late winter or even early spring. Knowing when the apple tree will bloom will help you properly plan for its planting and care.
Environmental Impact
When determining whether or not an apple tree should be an evergreen or deciduous species, it is important to consider the environmental effect of the decision. Generally speaking, deciduous apple trees tend to be more environmentally friendly due to the fact that the cold weather naturally helps to break down the leaves, allowing their nutrients to be deposited back into the soil.
On the other hand, evergreen apple trees require more human intervention to properly break down the leaves when they are ready to be composted. This can require extra time, effort and resources on the part of the gardener, which can be expensive in the long run. Additionally, since evergreen apple trees do not naturally shed their foliage during the winter, the chances of the leaves being damaged by frost or other environmental factors can be increased.
Furthermore, evergreen apple trees tend to require more water than their deciduous counterparts, which can increase the chances of water wastage. Therefore, due to the environmental impact, it is advised that certain species of evergreen apple trees should be avoided in areas where there are water restrictions or in instances where enough water to keep the apple tree healthy cannot be provided.
Varieties
When selecting an evergreen apple tree, it is important to consider the particular variety. For example, the ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ are both popular varieties of evergreen apple trees, with the ‘Golden Delicious’ boasting higher levels of self-fertility. The ‘Granny Smith’ apple tree, on the other hand, has distinctly tart boundaries and is known for its resistance to disease.
The ‘Himalayan Crab’ is another variety of evergreen apple tree. This variety has a much sweeter taste than the ‘Granny Smith’ and is also more resistant to winter conditions. It produces large, juicy yellow apples with a spicy aroma. Lastly, the ‘Jonagold’ apple tree is a hybrid of the ‘Golden Delicious’ and the ‘Jonathan’ apple trees and has been renowned for its crispness and tart sweetness.
Growing Requirements
Once an evergreen apple tree has been selected, it is important to consider its growing requirements. Generally speaking, most apple trees prefer to be planted in an area that receives full sun with well drained soil. Evergreen apple trees, however, may require a bit more water than other apple varieties in order to survive during the winter months. Additionally, they will likely require regular fertilisation in order to keep their foliage looking healthy.
When the tree is in bloom, it is important to provide the right amount of water in order to ensure that the tree manages to bear a good crop of apples. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the tree’s leaves and branches during the winter months as well, as this can help to reduce the chances of frost damage. Lastly, ensuring that the tree’s root system is adequately protected from the cold winter weather is key to keeping it healthy.
Pruning and Maintenance
In order to keep an apple tree healthy and looking good, it is important to prune it effectively. In the case of evergreen apple trees, it is important to cut off any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Additionally, it is important to prune off any shoots that grow from the trunk lower than the foliage line, as this can reduce the amount of shade and improve the tree’s ability to bear fruit.
In addition to pruning, it is important to ensure that an evergreen apple tree is regularly cleaned and given the right amount of water. This will help to keep pests and diseases away and ensure that the tree stays healthy. Lastly, a bit of extra attention and inspection during winter months can go a long way towards preventing any long-term damage to the foliage.
Harvesting Time
When it comes to harvesting time, evergreen apple trees tend to bear fruit a little bit later than their deciduous counterparts, typically in late summer or early autumn. Therefore, it is important to take this into account when selecting the apple tree and ensure that the variety chosen has fruit ready to harvest at a convenient time for the gardener. Additionally, it is important to inspect the apples themselves for any signs of disease or pests that could affect the overall quality of the fruit.
Once harvested, evergreen apples need to be handled with care. If the apples are left to sit at room temperature, they will typically begin to rot after a few days. To combat this, it is important to store them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge to maintain their quality. Lastly, if the apples have to be transported for any length of time, it is recommended to keep them in a cooler as this can keep them fresh for longer.
