Whether you just inherited a 200-acre farm or bought a small family home on a modest plot of land, you can grow crisp, juicy apples. Because apples come in a variety of species, there’s sure to be at least one that will produce fruit in your climate. Follow these tree care tips to ensure your apple trees thrive.

Where to Plant

Apple trees need six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day to maximize their output. Try for an elevated plot of land to keep low-lying cold air away from your newly planted trees. Check the soil’s drainage. Tree care experts will tell you the soil needs to retain some moisture, but you don’t want rainwater pooling at the tree bases as it can contribute to root rot disease. Soil ideal for growing apple trees has a light to medium texture and a pH of between 5.5 to 7.0.

How to Grow

Even self-pollinating trees produce more fruit when there are other species of apples growing nearby. Make room for several varieties on your property. Once in the ground, water your trees often to help establish a snaking root system. Young dwarf plants will need support until they can hold the weight of their harvest; install scaffolding to assist in their growth. 

Apple trees are especially prone to pests and pesticides must be applied at precise stages of development for optimal efficacy. Ask your supplier about their recommendations for the species you’re planting and the climate in which you planted them.

Light pruning may be necessary to promote fruiting. Remove weak twigs and shorten droopy stems. As the trees mature, cut back old limbs that have stopped producing fruit to make room for new ones. 

When to Harvest

To keep pests at bay—and prevent a heavy crop from damaging limbs—thin the harvest roughly four to six weeks after bloom, immediately following the natural fruit drop. Leave about 6 inches between each apple, and make sure to remove all stunted or damaged fruit. 

Pick the apples once they’ve developed a vibrant color. You’ll know they're ready for harvest if the stem breaks away from the branch with a gentle tug.

 

To ensure the health and longevity of your trees, turn to Mike’s Tree Service. Operating out of Cleves, OH, this tree care company has been serving clients throughout the greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky area for more than 25 years. Their highly trained technicians are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing them to do everything from tree pruning to stump grinding. To learn more about tree care services offered, visit their website. To request a quote, call (513) 353-0395.