Apple Trees – Homegrown American Classics
by: Liz Roberts

Apple trees are as much a part of the American landscape as cornfields or redwood forests. They have provided food , shade and wood for all sorts of indigenous and immigrant peoples in the last two thousand or more years. Apple trees have also given America their beauty with their graceful limbs and delicately scented blossoms. They are a welcome addition to any garden or yard.

Before becoming Johnny Appleseed understand that you’ll be planting a hybrid tree which consists of two grafted parts. The upper part of the tree is called the “scion” and it’s responsible for the leaves, blossoms and fruit. The type of apple is also determined by this part. It is grafted onto the bottom half known as the rootstock. This can be a seedling which will produce a full sized or standard tree. The rootstock also comes in dwarf or size controlled varieties which will produce a smaller variety. Although a smaller one does determine the tree’s eventual size, it does not affect the quality of the fruit. A pippin or a Macintosh will grow and taste the same whether it grows on a ten foot or a four foot tree The smaller rootstocks are the more desirable. They can control the size of the growth, and reduce the time that the tree reaches fruit bearing age. They can even offer some pest resistance. If you're acquiring a tree with dwarfed rootstocks, remember it has to be staked for life. This will prevent it from leaning and possible breakage. Stakes should consist of either wood poles or metal conduits that are about three inches in diameter. Both types should be ten feet high with two feet driven into the ground. They should be planted around six inches from the base of the tree.

If deciding to plant an orchard, then plant your trees about fifteen to eighteen feet apart. Don’t plant them too close together. Remember to do a soil test prior to planting. A local County Extension Center can assist in this. The test will determine whether the dirt’s pH and nutrients levels have to be adjusted. Analyze the soil from 12 to 18 inches into the ground – not just the depth of the planting hole. Testing is done from this level because the tree roots will grow this long. Apple trees will tolerate a wide range of different soils as long as there is plenty of water and nutrients as well as adequate pH. Avoid planting them in heavy, poorly drained soils and low spots. Apple trees can’t survive if water remains standing in the root zone.

What is known as air drainage also plays an important part in cultivating a healthy apple tree. Do not select a planting site in a low lying area. This is known as a “frost pocket” where cold air settles. Low spring temperatures in these hollows can easily kill off tender blossoms or developing fruit due to a stationery chilly air mass. Good air drainage is critical, especially during any early Spring frosts. Try to choose a higher plot that is slightly sloped if at all possible. This position allows cold air to flow down and away from the tree along with preventing it from accumulating around the trunk. Remember do not plant the apple trees close to any fence rows or at the bottom of hills. Doing such will impede cold air damage. Apple trees require full sun too. Plant them away from large trees and buildings or else they will be constantly covered in damaging shade. Do not plant them by streams or wooded areas as to avoid any animal damage. Prior to planting remove weeds in the planting area. Do this either by hand or with an approved herbicide that won’t harm the growing tree. If planting on a lawn, remove the grass from the area (stake out a four foot wide in diameter circle). Remember that grass competes with the young tree for any available water and nutrients. Stealing these vital ingredients can result in reduced tree growth and less fruit than expected.

Once the planting site is readied it’s now time to plant your tree. Try to purchase a healthy year old tree from a local nursery. Its’ starting height should be between four to six feet and it should have a healthy root system as well. This type of apple tree will make a better transplant than a larger, older tree. Protect the garden’s new addition from injury , drying out, mouse or vole damage, freezing and heating. If the roots have dried out somewhat, from all the transporting, soak them in water for about a day. (a good 24 hours). If there’s a problem with immediately planting the tree, then follow either of these suggestions:.

Wrap the roots, along with some moist sawdust or newspaper, in some plastic. Place the tree in a refrigerator or cooler (think meat locker here) with a temperature of 40 F. Do not store with any fruits or vegetables because they will emit ethylene gas that will kill it.

Another method is to ‘heel in the tree”. This is a process where a trench is dug and the tree roots are evenly placed in it. Now cover them with either soil, sawdust or peat and then thoroughly water the tree. The apple tree can keep for several weeks if this method is used before the final planting.

To permanently plant your tree , first dig a hole approximately twice the diameter of the root system and about two feet deep. Now place some of the loose soil back into the hole along with loosening the walls of the planting hole. Doing this allows the roots to easily penetrate the soil. Spread them on the loose soil, making sure they’re not twisted or crowded in the hole. Continue to replace the soil around the roots. After covering them, firm the soil to be sure it surrounds them along with removing any air pockets. Do not add fertilizer at planting time or the roots will be burned. Now fill the remainder of the hole with loose soil, pressing it down. The graft union must be at least two inches above the soil like so that the roots do not emerge from the scion. After planting, water well to eliminate any air pockets and also provide good contact between the roots and the soil.

These are only the beginning steps to having a beautiful and fruit abundant apple tree. The next article will deal with care and harvesting. With the proper planting and care, your tree should look as good as a fresh baked apple pie.