Apple trees are one of the most popular fruit trees in the area and for a good reason. They’re easy to care for, bear delicious fruit, and even the tiniest yards can accommodate them. If you know how to care for apple trees properly, you’ll be able to harvest seemingly unlimited apples from your tree for years to come!
That said, apple trees are a great addition to any garden, but they don’t just care for themselves. If you’ve got an apple tree in your yard, you know it’s important to take care of it during spring and summer. But what about the winter? Apple trees need plenty of care and attention throughout the year, so keep these tips in mind to ensure your apple tree stays healthy as you tend to it during the colder months.
Make Sure the Tree is Pruned Correctly
Apples do best when they are pruned in the fall after producing fruit. Pruning in the fall allows your tree to heal over winter before new growth begins in spring, and it also gives you time to plan which branches need to be removed or thinned out.
If you’re not sure how to prune an apple tree correctly, hire a professional from Grasshopper Gardens or read up on proper pruning techniques online before you start cutting away branches. Improper pruning can lead to damaged branches and dead limbs.
Protect the Tree From Frost Damage
To care for apple trees, you must understand the climate zone where your property is located. Colder climates typically require extra measures to protect fruit trees against frost damage during certain parts of the year. Apple trees are very susceptible to frost damage, especially when young.
You should always try to protect your tree from frost damage during winter. When temperatures fall below freezing at night and rise above freezing during the day, it can cause the buds to swell, then burst open and die.
To protect your tree, you can cover it with a blanket or other insulating material before frost is expected. You can also keep it well mulched so no snow will accumulate around the trunk or roots of the tree. If you do not use mulch properly, then there is a good chance that your tree could die from cold temperatures.
Keep the Soil Around the Tree Moist
The soil around apple trees needs to be kept moist but not too wet. The best way to do this is by watering the soil around the tree every week.
If you notice that your soil is becoming saturated, you should water it less frequently until it dries out again. Wet soil can destroy your apple tree by causing root rot and other diseases; dry soil will cause leaf drops and a poor fruit set (the number of apples on a branch).
Fertilize the Tree in the Fall
Fertilizing your apple tree in the fall is a great way to help it prepare for winter. First, ensure you’re using the correct fertilizer for your apple tree. Ask a professional if you’re unsure which kind of fertilizer is right for your apple tree.
A good fertilizer should contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and some micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc. Apply it according to package directions just before the first frost.
Check for Pests and Diseases, and Treat Them if Necessary
Apple trees can be affected by many issues that may cause damage or even death if left untreated. Pests and diseases can contribute to such issues, so it’s essential to stay on top of them.
You’ll want to check for problems once a week during spring and summer, at least until the tree is fully established. If any appear, treat them immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Get Apple Trees for Your Capital Region Property
If you need a way to add some beauty and elegance to your property, we’ve got just the thing for you. At Grasshopper Garden, we focus on curating and planting the finest apple trees for homes and commercial properties in New York’s Capital Region. We want to help you grow healthy, vibrant plants that bring you joy daily.
We know how important it is to have a beautiful yard, whether it’s for your home or your business. You want something that will look great all year long and provide abundant fruit when the time comes.
Contact us today to learn more about adding an apple tree to your yard! When you work with us, we’ll take care of everything from start to finish, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the “fruits” of our labor!