Apple Trees

Apple trees are cultivated worldwide and are the most widely grown species in the genus Malus. The tree originated in Central Asia. Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe and were brought to North America by European colonists.

Water

Young apple trees need lots of water. They need to be watered frequently and deeply (up to three times a week). Watering young trees regularly ensures that the root system becomes well established. Three or four months after planting apple trees, you can start to water a bit less- maybe once a week or so. At this point, the trees have settled in and become a little bit more independent. Well established apple trees are more independent and have huge root systems that the in lots of water and nutrients from the soil. Older trees only need water during a drought or when the weather is really hot and dry.

Trees take in water through their root systems only, so water the area around the roots. DO NOT water the trunk, branches or leaves. (If you water the trunk, branches or leaves, this can encourage fungal diseases and wood rot). Therefore , it’s best to avoid watering with sprinklers. Instead, hand water or use a soaker hose.

Water deeply and slowly. Water the roots, then allow that water to be absorbed before watering again. It is important to let the roots dry out completely before watering again. If an apple tree’s roots never dry out, it will become vulnerable to root rot.

Fertilizer

Most experts recommend new fruit tree growers keep it simple with regard to apple tree fertilizer. The best is nutrient rich mulch. You can spread it on the soil over the roots of your apple tree once a year, in the early Spring. It will provide food for your tree and you won’t risk damage linked with okverfertilizing.

In early Spring, spread two inches of compost or one inch of well rotted manure spread around the roots of the tree. Make sure the mulch reaches out to the edge of the apple tree’s canopy. Do not allow any mulch to touch the tree’s trunk (as this can be an entry point for pests and can rot the wood on the trunk).

Pruning

If you are growing Apple trees organically, (and are avoiding using sprays to protect the tree from pests and disease), then pruning is very important. Correct pruning helps build a strong, sturdy fruit bearing structure for your tree. Pruning helps with air circulation for the tree. It ensures that every branch (optimally) has access to sunlight.

Rub off misplaced buds before they grow into misplaced branches. Bend a stem down horizontally for a few weeks to slow growth and promote branches and fruiting.

Prune mature trees when dormant. Remove weak twigs which hang from the undersides of limbs. Shorten stems that become too droopy, especially those low in the tree.

Harvesting Fruit

First of all, most apple trees are cross-pollinating, which means you need two different types of apple trees in order for the blossoms to be successfully pollinated. If you plant a single apple tree, it may look pretty, but it may never produce fruit. Do research before planting to make sure your trees have compatible pollination partners.

For harvesting, pluck applies when their background color is no longer green. The stem should part readily from the branch when the fruit is cupped in the palm of your hand and given a slight twist around, then up.

Different apple varieties mature at different times, so the harvest season can run from August to October. If the apple is overripe and soft, you can use if for cooking.