Growing Apple Trees
Fuji Apple Tree
Blooming apple trees are just as beautiful as any ornamental flowering plant. When considering options for the design of your landscape, keep an open mind to using a variety of fruit trees.
Unlike plants that only put on a show fruit-bearing bushes and trees deliver a delicious harvest as a special bonus.
The only real limitation is trying to figure out which one to choose!
We put together a list of items you will want to take note of before getting just any kind of tree. Take your time, write some of this down and then come get your tree.
Choosing Your Tree
Braeburn Apple
Growing apple trees in the home garden can be fun and rewarding. With more than 7,500 cultivars to choose from, finding the right apple tree shouldn’t be hard.
Keeping them healthy and productive shouldn’t be a problem as long as you keep the following in mind when selecting your tree:
- Select the varieties that grow best in your region. If you live outside the Eugene-Springfield area, check with your local County Extension Office to find the trees best suited to your area.
- Select the correct height and spread for your garden.
- Sample different varieties from the store to make sure the tree you select agrees with your taste buds. Determine if you want sweet, tart, crisp or soft apples before committing to an entire tree.
- Pollination - most apple trees need the pollen from other apple trees in order to produce fruit. If that is the case you will need to plant at least two.
- Maintenance – if this is a concern make sure you select a disease-resistant variety. Four diseases that commonly attack apple trees: fire blight, apple scab, cedar apple rust and powdery mildew. So check the labels before purchasing.
Planting Your Tree
Once you have selected the correct tree for your needs, make sure you plant the tree correctly to ensure a tree loaded with fruit, by following these steps
- Do not plant the tree too deep. Make sure there is a flair at the bottom of the tree where the roots begin. Make sure this is at the surface when you plant the tree, don't bury the flair.
- Stake the tree to support it until it becomes established and don't use too much mulch, especially on a small tree
- Check your roots! Consider using a root stimulator to stimulate root development rather than top growth. New trees should spend the first year developing its root system. Make sure you water fairly regularly if you don't have rain...and water enough so the water can soak down to the roots.
Click here to download your FREE tree planting guide
Not So Known Health Benefits of Apples
We have all heard an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But did you also know that apples are known to
- Reduce the risk of colon, prostate, and lung cancer?
- Help control your weight (fiber, fiber, fiber) – at just 90 calories a piece, the natural sugars in an apple provide quick energy, while the bulky pulp makes you feel full and satisfied.
- Lower your chance for heart disease and lower cholesterol
- Quench your thirst. Because they contain 85% water
- Provide Vitamins – the average apple contains small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Pectin and fiber aid intestinal activity.
Apple Picking
Never mind driving to your local apple tree orchard to go apple picking, now, you can pick your apples right from your own yard. When picking apples, keep these guidelines in mind:
- look for fruit that is well colored for its variety.
- the background color (the area not covered by red pigment on red varieties) should be greenish yellow.
- use apples with punctures or bruises first since they will not store as well.
- Surface blemishes that do not penetrate have very little influence on fruit quality or storage life.
- Although apples are fairly durable fruits, take care to avoid bruising them.
And whether you have selected a sweet tree for a delicious apple crumble or a tart one for making apple cider – one thing is for sure –an apple a day keeps the doctor away or at least makes you healthier!
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