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So you want to plant an apple
tree…
You see them growing
everywhere it seems. All you have to do is go down to the local garden center,
buy a potted tree, chunk it in the ground and watch it grow. Simple, right?
Well… it can be if conditions are right
There
are several things to consider before planting an apple, or any other type
of fruit tree. Fruit trees need full sun; fertile, well-drained soil; and
good air movement. Trees may survive with less, but not thrive.
.
First you need a good site. A while back my aunt planted some blueberry
bushes and an apricot tree on the North side of a 20-foot tall
spruce, and wondered why they just didn’t seem to do very well. They
only received an hour or two of sun a day, enough to survive,
but not enough to produce flowers or good growth. Full sun is essential for
tree health and flower/fruit production.
Next, your site needs good air
drainage (or movement). You don’t want to plant a fruit tree in a frost
pocket, while the tree may grow well; it may seldom or never have fruit.
Peach fruit buds may be killed mid-winter at temperatures starting at -10°. Apple blossoms are much
hardier, but blossoms may be killed in late spring frosts. Ridge
tops and the upper parts of the Southern slope are often good sites.
Northern slopes, deep valleys or any spot cold air can collect in are less
than optimal sites. Talk to your neighbors, see where apple (or other
fruits) trees have done well. If you’re lucky there’s a family who’s
lived in the area a while and knows where people have had good fortune in
the past with what you would like to try to grow.
Your next consideration is the soil.
Start with a soil test. Your friendly County Cooperative Extenuation
Service can provide you, at a nominal fee, with a soil fertility and pH
(acidity/alkalinity) test kit. Be sure to follow the test kit’s
instructions to get an accurate result. The New England soils I’m
familiar with are slightly-moderately acid (sour) and need sweetening.
Lime is the most common way to correct soil acidity. The calcium in lime
moves very slowly down through the soil, and it is far more effective to
mix into the soil (with a rototiller or spading fork) to a depth of 1-2
feet before planting. While you are mixing in the lime it’s an excellent
time to make any other fertility adjustments, and add organic matter if
needed. After planting, lime and other nutrients can be applied to the
surface as necessary to help maintain pH and fertility.
Another important
consideration with your soil is depth and water holding capacity. A
shallow soil may not allow the tree to root properly, leading to tipping
and poor structure. Shallow soils may also be prone to drought. While
shallow or sandy soils can be watered to make up for deficiencies, you
need the time and capacity to do it. Wet or heavy soils can lead to poor
tree health and mortality. That too, can be corrected, but at some effort
and expense.
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