What Should I Feed My Apple Tree
Nutrition is essential for healthy apple trees and providing them with the right nutrients will help your trees flourish. Depending on your soil type, you may need to supplement with fertilizers and other additives. To ensure your apple tree is getting the best nutrition, here is what you should feed it.
Organic material, such as compost, is a great way to give your apple tree some much needed nutrients. Compost helps to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms which helps improve the soil quality and ultimately leads to healthier trees. Adding a layer of wood chip mulch over the compost will help retain moisture and provide additional nutrient sources.
Nitrogen is important for foliage growth and is often lacking in soil. To supplement, use a slow release nitrogen fertilizer. This provides a steady supply of nitrogen throughout the growing season and should be applied 2-3 times annually. Additionally, you can use compost tea or manure tea as an organic way to add an extra boost of nitrogen.
Potassium assists with overall tree health and growth. Use a product with a sufficient amount of potassium along with other major and minor nutrients. Your local garden centre should carry a suitable fertilizer with potassium included.
Calcium helps to build strong cell walls to prevent insect/disease damage and adding it to your soil helps to reduce soil acidity. Dolomite lime is a great source of both calcium and magnesium and can be applie annually. To determine how much you should use, you can perform a soil test and then adjust accordingly.
Lastly, mulch is a great way to provide adequate nutrients and to improve soil structure. Adding a layer of organic mulch several times a year will help ensure that your apple tree is getting the minerals and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Add mulch around the base of the tree extending a few inches beyond the tree’s drip line.
Water Requirements
One of the most critical aspects of nutrition for an apple tree is proper watering. Apple trees should receive about 1.5-2 inches of water each week, either from natural rainfall or from supplemental watering. Young trees may need more water and it may be necessary to water young trees 2-3 times a week during hot, dry weather. If rain is scarce, use a soaker hose to provide your trees with the water they need.
To avoid over-watering, a rain gauge can be used to help you monitor exactly how much rainfall your apple tree is receiving. Additionally, you can use a moisture meter to help you measure soil moisture. These can be purchased at most garden centres and can be used on all types of soil. Add water until the soil reaches field-capacity and then give it a rest until re-measured.
Organic mulches such as wood chips or shredded bark can help to retain water. Be sure to apply a thick layer along the root area to further help with water retention. The mulch should be no more than 3 to 4 inches thick, as too much can prevent water from adequately reaching the roots.
Proper watering is essential for apple tree health. Too much or too little can show signs of distress and poor nutrition. Monitor your tree’s water needs and adjust your schedule to ensure you are providing adequate watering.
Pruning and Training
Pruning and training are integral parts of apple tree nutrition. Pruning helps to open the canopy, allowing more sunlight and air circulation which helps to prevent disease. Additionally, pruning helps to shape the overall architecture of the tree. The best time to prune is in late winter, including removing any dead or dying branches.
Training refers to guiding the tree as it grows, providing guidance and direction to the growth and structure of the tree. Generally speaking apple trees grow either as an upright, vase or columnar shape. Ideally, the branches should be evenly spaced and the tree should have an open and well balanced shape. When training branches, avoid crossing or rubbing branches and be sure to not over prune the tree.
Training and pruning will help shape your tree’s growth and will help promote healthier trees. Be sure to take your time when pruning and to not cut too much at once. Also, it may be necessary to remove surrounding vegetation which can interfere with your apple tree.
Insect/Disease Control
Proper nutrition and watering will help to reduce the risk of pest and disease problems. However, it is still important to monitor your apple tree and to check for signs of pest and disease problems. If identified, treat the affected area using a suitable pest control solution. If a disease is identified, it is best to remove any affected branches.
If mildew or fungal diseases are present, increased air circulation and sunlight may be necessary. Try to increase the space between branches and consider thinning out excess foliage for improved airflow. Additionally, a product with a mildew or fungal control agent can be used to help control the spread. Repeated applications may be necessary.
If aphids or other small insect pests are present, introduce beneficial insects to help control them. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps all feed on aphids, as well as other soft-bodied insects. Release beneficial insects in mid-spring to help keep the aphid population in check.
It is also important to limit use of pesticides and herbicides. If these are necessary, be sure to use only the recommended amounts and to follow the label instructions.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing should be done at least twice a year, once in early spring and once in early summer. A complete fertilizer is ideal, as it contains all major, minor and trace elements. However, if a soil test has indicated a lack of one or more of these nutrients, then use a product that contains only the nutrients which are deficient.
Apple trees are relatively heavy feeders and large, mature trees may require larger amounts of fertilizer. Weigh the bag of fertilizer before applying so you know exactly how much you are applying. Broadcast the fertilizer around the tree, applying it to the soil surface and then water thoroughly. Avoid applying the fertilizer directly to the tree as this can cause foliage burn.
To avoid over-fertilizing, it is important to regularly test the soil to determine what nutrients are needed. Too much fertilizer can cause nutrient imbalances and can lead to poor tree health. Monitor your tree’s response and adjust your fertilizer amounts accordingly.
Potential Problems
It is important to monitor your apple tree and watch for signs of poor nutrition. These signs can include overly small leaves, yellowed foliage, stunted growth, and poor tree vigor. If such signs are present, it is best to have the soil tested to determine what is needed to correct the problem.
If the soil is too alkaline or acidic, it can be difficult for the apple tree to take up the necessary nutrients. Have the soil tested and if necessary, adjust the pH level to suit the apple tree’s needs. A product that contains sulfur can be applied to lower the pH and lime can be used to raise it.
Sometimes, poor nutrition and subsequent stunted growth can be due to planting a variety which is unsuitable for the local climate. Some apple trees require a certain amount of chill hours (hours spent exposed to cold temperatures) in order to set fruit each season. If the required number of chill hours is not achieved, oak fruit production will be poor and the tree may become unhealthy.
If soil imbalances and unsuitable planting sites are ruled out, it is best to contact a local tree specialist for further advice. They can help you determine the cause and offer suitable solutions.
