The Apple Tree

Beautiful spring bloom

The Apple tree was first cultivated in Europe for more than 2,000 years. The apple was introduced to the Untied States soon after the Europeans first arrived. Some popular varieties are, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Rome Beauty, Jonathan, and York to name a few.
As funny as it sounds fall and winter time is the best time to plant and maintain your apple tree. Fall planting is best when the trees are about 1-2 years old, and 5ft tall. Planting after the leaves have fallen, from late October into early November. Young trees withstand the shock of transplanting best when they are dormant. By planting the trees before the ground freezes, some new growth of the roots will take place at once and the trees will have a good start on the season when spring comes. Apples will grow in almost any soil, but do best in a clay loam. A general rule is that they thrive in soils suited to common cereals and potatoes.
To pick a tree with the best qualities; vitamin C content, and taste. The Baldwin is awesome type for cooking (pies and applesauce), where Northern Sky is an excellent eating dessert apple.
Set your trees 40 feet apart and between the rolls. Make holes for them just big enough to accommodate the root development. Set the trees and inch lower in the ground then they sat at the nursery; a young tree will not root any deeper by deep planting. Trees of at least 2 varieties should be planted within 50ft of one another, because of pollination of one variety by the pollen from another is usually required for the trees to bear fruit.
When Apple trees are well maintained; properly pruned and fed, they may blossom and bear fruit for 30 to 50 years. To rejuvenate an old, neglected tree, begin by removing all dead wood, broken limbs and suckers. The second year, thin the regular wood and cut all limbs that grow toward the center of the tree. Continue to prune and shape the tree during the winter of each succeeding year. (The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, Smyser Steve, 1978 Rodale Press, p.46-49)

Good luck, and happy growing to you!