Apples

Planting

Plant apples in full sun in well-drained soil. Dwarf trees should be spaced 12 feet apart and allow 16 feet between rows. Semi-dwarf trees should be planted 15 feet apart with 20 feet between rows. Plant the top of the root mass just at grade with enough soil mounded to cover roots. The graft should be 1 inch above grade. In addition, mulches should be left away from the trunk and graft. Pile mulch in a donut around the trunk, but never touching the trunk.

Feeding

Apples benefit from a well-balanced fertilizer. Feed them in fall or winter. Apples need some nitrogen but not too much so get a fertilizer with a high middle number (phosphorus) as it promotes flowers and fruit; such as a 4-5-3. If lower grade mulches like bark or sawdust are used be sure to add more nitrogen as they deplete nitrogen as they’re broken down.

Pruning

Young apple trees should be pruned to encourage an upright shape. As they age, remove the leader and thin inner branches to develop a vase shape. Older trees need removal of center sprouts and older fruiting wood. There are entire books dedicated to the subject of pruning, investing a good one can ensure you have strong vigorous trees that will continue to produce heavily for it’s lifetime.

Disease and Pest Control

Apples often suffer from fungal diseases like scab, and powdery mildew. Timed spraying in winter can help to limit these problems. In addition, proper pruning can increase air flow in and around fruit and therefore reduce the potential of fungal diseases.

Insects such as scale, aphids, apple maggot can reduce yields. Timed sprays generally work best to control their populations. Codling moth is another common pest for apples, the OSU Extension Office puts out a bulletin every year for the best time to put out traps, as their cycle changes annually with the weather.

See a Spray Schedule to best target your efforts.

See a list of apple varieties.

Download a complete information sheet on apples, including apple varieties, apple ripening chart, apple pollination chart and apple general reference chart.