{"id":18911,"date":"2023-11-06T02:25:14","date_gmt":"2023-11-06T00:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/?p=18911"},"modified":"2023-11-06T02:25:14","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T00:25:14","slug":"how-plant-apple-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/how-plant-apple-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How Plant Apple Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"
Apple trees require regular orchard care to produce the best quality fruits. Trees should be checked regularly for pests and diseases so that they can be treated appropriately. Pruning should be done in the winter months when the tree is dormant to control the shape and size of the tree and promote flower production.
\nFertilise the tree every 6-8 weeks during spring and summer with a specialised fruit tree fertiliser, this will help to promote healthier and stronger growth as well as more flowers and fruits. If the soil surrounding the tree is bare and dry then it should be watered regularly. Mulch can also help to reduce the need for frequent watering.
\nApple trees do best when they are in the company of other friendly apples trees. Cross-pollination is necessary for most apple tree varieties to produce a good crop, so if you cannot fit more than one tree in the space you have, consider planting another variety of apple nearby.<\/p>\n
Apple fruit is ready for harvesting at different times for each variety. The key to knowing when to pick the apple fruits is to watch the colour of the apples. If it has changed from its original green to the variety’s red or yellow, then it is likely ready to pick. However, gently lifting the apple from the tree and gently twisting it will help to confirm if it is ready.
\nIf the apple does not come off the branch easily when twisted, then it is not ready yet and should be left for another week for it to ripen further. Pick the apple fruits regularly to prevent overcrowding and late overcrowding, which can encourage pests and diseases.
\nOnce picked, it is important to handle the apples with care to prevent bruising or damage to the skin. Store the fruit in a cool, dark place such as an old fridge or an airtight container, as apples which have been exposed to too much light will partially ripen and can cause the apples to go mouldy.<\/p>\n
Apple fruit trees are vulnerable to a variety of bacterial, fungal and virus diseases which can cause damage and reduce yields. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to disease control, and is best achieved by ensuring the tree is in a healthy and growing condition.
\nFoliage, branches and main trunk should be inspected regularly for any signs of disease such as leaf spots, bark lesions, cankers and stunted growth. Keeping the trees pruned to create good air flow between the branches and throughout the tree, and removing foliage that is dead, diseased or damaged will help to reduce the spread of disease by removing possible disease transfer routes.
\nGood hygiene is essential in managing apple diseases. Disinfect garden tools and materials regularly to prevent the spread of pathogens’. As certain diseases such as apple scab are soil borne, it is best to avoid planting apple trees in soils that have previously been infected.<\/p>\n