Apple Tree Care

After enjoying gorgeous flowers, one can begin looking forward to the fruit apple trees produce. Fresh fruit is simply better and tastier than bin stored apples that are sold in supermarkets. Apple trees are offered in 3 distinct sizes. Dwarf varieties get to be 5 to 8 feet tall, semi-dwarf varieties are usually 12 to 16 feet tall, and standard varieties get between 20 and 30 feet tall. The size variations allows for apple trees to be planted in small spaces and easier harvesting.

There are many varieties of apple trees, all with taste, size, color, and harvest time variations. When selecting an apple tree, consider the taste. A good example of a sweet apple is the Honeycrisp, for a tart apple try the Granny Smith. A favorite apple for pie making is the Golden Delicious apple. The fruit from apple trees should be eaten directly from the tree or within a week of harvest. Fruit that will be stored from apple trees should be kept in a cool, dark, moist and frost-proof location. 

Most apple trees are self-sterile, and thus need to be pollinated by a different variety of apple tree in order to produce fruit. When selecting a pollinator make sure the trees bloom at the same time so the bees and insects can spread the pollen from tree to tree. A great pollinator for many apple trees is the crabapple. The ornamental crabapple produces beautiful flowers and abundant pollen for neighboring apple trees. 

•        Apple trees can be found in dwarf (5’-8’ tall), semi-dwarf (12’-16’ tall), or and standard sizes (20’-30’ tall)
•        Most apple trees require another variety of apple tree in the area for cross-pollination
•        Pollinators should be chosen for their taste, size, and flowering time
•        Ornamental crabapples are a great choice to pollinate many apple varieties
•        The graft union on the trunk should be at least 2” above the soil line when planted