Beginner Tips for Planting and Growing Apple Trees in Your Yard
How amazing would it be to make apple tarts and pies with apples picked right outside your house? That's right! Planting apple trees in your yard allows you to enjoy freshly picked fruit for your juices, sauces and baked goods. What's more, fruit trees are a great addition to your existing landscape. They not only increase curb appeal but also provide shade for your lawn and filter the air.
However, as you know, growing trees can be hard for most beginner gardeners. This piece will offer some valuable tips on how to plant and grow thriving apple trees in your yard!
Choose the Right Planting Site
Young apple trees require at least six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Therefore, the spot you choose for the trees will determine how fast they grow and bear fruit. Find a site in your yard that gets adequate sunlight throughout the day. This should be away from large trees or any structures that could shade the young plants and impede their growth.
Plant Apple Trees in the Spring
Seasons play a critical role in determining the development of a young plant. When an apple tree is planted, two parts need to develop fast: the roots and leaves. The plant needs new roots to absorb water and minerals and anchor the tree to the ground. Leaves need to grow so they can make food for the plant.
In Australia, spring is the perfect time to plant your apple trees as they can grow their roots and leaves in readiness for summer. Aim to plant at the beginning of spring so the trees can have three to four months before getting thrust into the scorching summer heat.
Prepare for Cross-Pollination
Most apple varieties do not cross-pollinate themselves. They can't pollinate flowers of the same apple variety, either. Therefore, you have to prepare for cross-pollination to ensure maximum yield. If you have enough space in your yard, you can plant two or three apple tree varieties. However, if you don't have space, buy a grafted tree from your nursery.
Apple trees such as Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Royal Gala and Fuji can be grafted into one tree. With two or three varieties on the same trunk, cross-pollination occurs without planting additional apple trees.
Mulch and Prune Regularly
In addition to watering and fertilising your trees, you need to mulch and prune them for maximum yield. Mulching during the hot season prevents the evaporation of water from the soil. Organic mulch also adds nutrients to the soil and helps your tree thrive. On the other hand, regular pruning thins out branches to encourage new growth and ensures that the sunlight reaches all branches equally.
Growing apple trees can be intimidating, but nothing beats the joy of picking your first fruit. For quality seedlings and grafted apple trees, talk to a tree supplier.
To learn more, contact a landscape tree supplier.
