When it comes to identifying the kind of apple tree you have, understanding the basic anatomy of the tree is key. Apple trees come in two varieties – standard and dwarf. Standard apple trees, otherwise known as semi-dwarf, reach heights up to 25 feet when mature and are grown to produce the largest and best quality apples. Dwarf apple trees grow to only 8-12 feet high and are best suited for small gardens. It’s important to consider your space and choose the correct variety for your garden.
Choosing the right kind of apple tree can be a daunting task, especially for beginner gardeners. Your local nursery or garden center will often have helpful staff available to assist with your selection. Apple trees vary in hardiness based on the rootstock they are grown on, as well as their disease resistance. Different cultivars ripen at different times of the year, so it’s important to determine when you want your apples to be ready. When in doubt, ask your local nursery or garden center associate for their recommendations.
Once you have a better idea of the type of apple tree to purchase, you need to determine the best way to plant it. Apple trees need to be planted in a soil that is well-draining, high in organic matter and with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. Planting trees in the fall is ideal, as it gives the root system time to establish before winter sets in. Depending on the variety, apple trees should be planted anywhere from 10-20 feet apart to allow for adequate growth and proper airflow for pollination. Be sure to prune your tree regularly to promote healthy growth and development.
Once the tree is planted and established, the next step is to care for it properly. Apple trees require a good watering schedule and adequate nutrients to bear fruit. Roots systems should be kept moist but not soggy. Fertilizing regularly with a 10-10-10 fertilizer will aid in healthy tree growth and promote larger, juicier apples. It’s also important to protect the tree from pests and diseases. Monitor the tree regularly for signs of disease or insect damage and apply appropriate treatments if needed.
Harvesting apples can be the most rewarding part of caring for apple trees. Depending on the cultivar, apples will be ready to harvest in the late summer and early fall. Apples should be picked when they are fully ripe and ready to eat. Carefully remove the apples from the tree and store in a cool, dry place until ready to eat.
How to Pollinate your Apple Tree
In order for an apple tree to produce fruit, it must be pollinated. Apple trees need another apple tree of a different variety to ensure proper pollination. Apple trees are self-sterile, meaning they cannot pollinate themselves. Additionally, pollen from one variety of apple tree won’t work to pollinate another variety. For the best results, plant two or more different varieties in your garden.
Apple trees should be planted near enough that insects, particularly honeybees, can easily travel and pollinate them. You can also help pollinate your apple trees by hand. Carefully collect the anthers, which contain the pollen, from a male blossom on a different variety of apple tree. Use a small paintbrush to collect the pollen and brush it onto the female blossoms of your apple tree.
You may also consider using insecticides to protect your apple trees from pests that may interfere with pollination. If possible, use certified organic materials to reduce the risk of chemical residue being left on the flowers. Additionally, adding plants to your garden that attract beneficial insects, like native wildflowers, can help draw pollinators to your apple trees to aid in pollination.
How to prune an Apple Tree
In order to keep an apple tree healthy and producing quality fruit, it’s important to prune it regularly. Proper pruning helps direct the energy of the tree to produce better growth and keeps the fruit at an easy to reach height. Prune apples in the late winter or early spring before any new growth appears. Start at the center of the tree and work your way out to the perimeter.
Remove any dead or diseased branches first. Then, cut any branches that are growing outward or downward, as these can prevent sunlight from reaching the inner fruit producing branches. Make sure to keep two or three scaffold branches, the main branches that run along the trunk, so the tree has stability. Start at a height of five or six feet and angle the cuts slightly outward so water can run off. Don’t prune more than 25 percent of tree in a year.
You may also need to consider thinning the clusters of apples to help ensure better quality fruit. Thinning should take place shortly after the bloom period, when sideshoots are about 1-2 inches long. Leave one apple for each cluster and space the apples about 6 inches apart. Be sure to carefully remove the extra apples and place them in a bucket or bin.
Lastly, prune out any crossing or rubbing branches or any branches that are growing too close together. If two branches are too close together, they can rub against each other and create gaps that attract pests and disease. When pruning, use clean shears and make sure not to leave any jagged cut ends.
How to care for an Apple Tree
Once you have planted and pruned your apple tree, it’s important to give it proper care to ensure the best health and output. Regular watering of your apple tree is essential. Keeping the root systems moist but not soggy will help prevent disease growth and support healthy tree growth. Try to water twice a week, deep watering for a longer period of time.
It’s also important to mulch your apple tree with organic material to help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Mulching apples keeps the roots cool and prevents the soil from drying out. Additionally, fertilizing the tree with a 10-10-10 fertilizer mixed with kelp meal or fish emulsion can help promote healthy growth and larger fruit. Spread the fertilizer evenly over the root area and water in thoroughly.
Pest and disease control is another key factor in caring for your apple tree. Monitor the tree regularly for signs of disease or insect damage and apply appropriate treatments if needed. If possible, use certified organic treatments to decrease the risk of chemical residue. If a pest infestation is severe, you may have to get professional help.
Finally, protect your trees from extreme temperatures to avoid any potential damage. A light frost won’t damage the flowers and fruit, but a hard freeze will. Cover the trees with a blanket if the temperature is expected to drop below 28°F.
Harvesting and Storing Apples
Harvesting apples can be the most rewarding part of tending to apple trees. Apples should be ready to pick any time from mid-summer until late fall, depending on the variety. Quality apples should be fully ripe and ready to eat. Use caution when removing the apples to avoid bruising or breaking the skin.
Once the apples are picked, they can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few weeks. Apples can also be stored in a cool, dark, dry and moist basement or other storage area. Wrap the apples in a newspaper and store them in a container or wooden box. Unwashed apples can be stored this way for several months.
You can also preserve apples for up to a year by canning or freezing them. To can apples, peel, core and slice the apples before placing them in a jar with a syrup or juice. Seal the jar and process in a boiling water bath for 10-20 minutes. To freeze apples, peel, core and slice the apples before storing them in a freezer-safe container and topping with syrup or juice. Frozen apples can last up to a year.
Ways to Use Apples from your Tree
The most obvious way to use apples from your tree is for fresh eating. Eating apples fresh from the tree is a great way to enjoy their natural sweetness and unique flavors. But, there are so many other ways you can use apples from your tree. Apples can be used to make a variety of delicious desserts and snacks such as pies, cakes, tarts, muffins, cookies and jams.
Apple cider is also a popular way to use up extra apples. Apples can be blended and strained to create a sweet and tart cider that can be served either hot or cold. For a classic apple cider, blend apples with a few other ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can even make your own hard cider from your apples.
Finally, apples can also be used for homemade beauty treatments. Apples are high in nutrients and can be used to make skin soothers and face masks. Simply blend together apples with oats and honey for a soothing face mask. You can also mash apples and mix in some olive oil for a gentle exfoliator. Apples provide a great way to naturally nourish and soothe the skin.
