See recommendations for Space Between Trees and other structures below). This is roughly equal to the mature height of the apple tree you choose to plant (for example: Dwarf, Semi-Dwarf, Standard. A smart distance is somewhere beyond your apple tree’s estimated maximum spread. ![]() The roots will not be as encouraged to grow into this area however, it’s better to plant with at least 8 to 10 feet of space between these structures and your apple trees. Ordinarily, patios will not be a problem because the soil beneath them is dry and compacted. Growers often ask about the recommended planting distances for apple trees to keep them away from patios, sewer lines, water pipes, etc. Will neighboring trees be in the way or block sunlight from your apple tree as they grow?Įven a year or two after planting, an apple tree can be very difficult to successfully transplant, so take the time to plant it in just the right place the first time around.Might your apple tree block the view of something you want to see once it’s fully grown?.Is there a sidewalk or foundation within the range of your apple tree’s mature spread?.Are there cables, pipes, or other lines and utilities you should avoid underground?.Are there wires or any other obstructions overhead?.Imagine your new apple tree as a full-grown tree and check everything out: ![]() SurroundingsĪpple trees can also become a landscaping asset, so choose a planting site with this in mind. Just remember to avoid planting sites with extremely heavy soils and poor drainage. Apple trees can be very adaptable and they respond well to soil additives like compost or fertilizers, so they can get along well even where the soil is nutritionally poor. Most new apple trees can be planted in a 5-gallon container to start, and you can pot-up container-grown apple trees into larger containers as the trees outgrow them.Įven if your yard isn’t the most ideal location, take heart. You can also plant apple trees in containers, starting with a pot that accommodates each apple tree’s current root system (with room to grow). In general – to help with water distribution – you can add coir, like our Coco-Fiber Growing Medium, to your apple tree’s planting hole or mix in one-third sphagnum/peat to the soil at planting time.Īlternately, to avoid directly dealing with your native soil, you can build a bottomless raised bed (at least 12-inches deep and at least 3- to 4-feet around) in which to plant your apple tree. If you can’t plant elsewhere, you can try amending the soil of your planting site prior to planting your apple trees.Īmending the soil greatly depends on your individual location, so communicating with your local county cooperative extension is a wise first step. For your growing success, we do not recommend planting apple trees in rocky or heavy, pure-clay soils. Similarly, if your site has fast-draining, sandy soil, then your apple tree may exhibit water-related stress (similar to conditions of drought) and may require more-frequent watering. If you discover that your native soil is composed of heavy clay that retains water after rainy weather, you should choose a different site for your apple tree. Good soil drainage is necessary to keep an apple tree’s roots healthy, and healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy tree. Light is vital to fruit production and fruit quality, and also helps keep fungal issues from advancing, so be sure to keep this in mind when choosing a location for your new apple trees. If you are limited on space, consider planting a self-pollinating apple tree like these:Īpple trees thrive when growing in a location that receives full sun and has a well-drained, fertile soil.įull sun translates to at least six- to eight-hours of sunlight during the growing season. There are a few varieties of apple trees that are self-pollinating, meaning your tree will still bear apples when it matures, without requiring another apple variety’s pollen. ![]() Since insects and wind need to carry pollen from blossom to blossom between trees, apple trees and their pollen partners should be planted nearby – within 100 feet of one another for adequate cross-pollination to occur. ![]() In most cases, the lack of a compatible pollinator variety is why apple trees produce poorly, or don’t bear fruit at all. Is a compatible pollinator-variety present? Cross-pollination by a different variety (like Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, etc.) of the same type of tree (apples to apples) is key to the fruiting success of an apple tree.
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