How to Plant an Apple Tree is Easy

How to plant an apple tree is easy, and adding fruit bearing perennials to your homestead is a no brainer. Year over year returns on your investment, reducing your expenses and carbon footprint in a measurable way.

Most apple trees require two varieties in order to produce fruit. They should be planted within 50′ from each other to ensure a good fruit set. However there are special varieties of apple such as the Golden Delicious, which will produce fruit without the need of cross pollination from another tree.

Where to plant my Tree(s)?

Apple Trees like to be in a full sun location, in well draining soil, that is protected from the chilly spring winds, Ensure the intended area is outside of any low lying areas where cold air may settle and create a “frost pocket”. During wet years these pockets will usually have standing water longer and are good reference point when planning your planting.

Time to Dig

How to plant an apple tree is easy ,but how deep should you dig your hole? First rule of planting a tree is never bury the trunk. An apple tree should always be planted level with the ground surrounding it. Dig your hole 1/2″ deeper than you need. Remove all the grass around your hole 2.5′ from the center. This will reduce the competition for water and nutrients. A layer of mulch around your tree will reduce weeds and keep your tree moist. Once you’ve dug your hole place a sprinkle of epsom salt and an inch of worm castings. Add a composted manure to your soil and finish filling the hole. New trees will need consistent watering until temperatures drop.

Mulch Mulch Mulch

Adding a layer if mulch around your trees works wonders. Not only does it reduce your weeding but it helps retain water and reduce run off. Wood chips are the most commonly used mulch that come in many colors. I’ve even used straw, however it does replacing occasionally.

Do Apple Trees Need Support?

In most cases,yes. When planting a tree they do require some assistance until their roots are connected with the surrounding soil. Planting a smaller sapling can make stakes or supports not necessary. To support the apple tree place 2 or 3 sticks or poles on the solid ground surrounding the tree. Loosely attach twine to the poles and tree to reduce heavy movement for the first couple years. This allows the bends and sways of nature but protects it from heavy winds and storms. Ensure you place your stakes or poles far from the root ball. After the roots establish in your tree and you see a spike in growth, remove your support poles. Since you now have a couple deep holes from your poles its an easy way to add some worm castings deep into your tree’s root system.

These small steps in self sufficiency serve a big purpose in the health and wellness of our planet as well as ourselves.