Apple is an edible fruit of a number of trees, known for this sweet taste, juicy, green or red fruits. This tree is grown worldwide. Its fruits are low-cost and popular, and is harvested all over the world.
Applewood, a type of wood, comes from this tree.
There are more than 7000 different apple varieties all over the world.
All trees giving fruits do best in full sun and if your goal is to harvest apples, you will want to place your trees in the most sunny location possible. The best soil is a fertile, humus rich, sandy loam soil that is well drained, and has a slightly acidic pH that lies between 6.0-6.5. try to avoid low spots where drainage can be slow. A standard sized trees should be spaced at least 15-20 feet apart and dwarf varieties around 8-10 feet apart.
Trees must be planted in early spring or summer so they have the whole growing season to establish their root system. Dig the planting hole three times wider than it was in the nursery pot the sapling came in and a little wider. Spread the roots out in the planting hole the best way possible. Shortened the roots that are extremely long. The graft union should be around 2-6″ ABOVE the ground surface. Fill the hole, pack the soil firmly, and water deeply. Cut the top of the little tree back by about a third. Use stakes to support the new tree. Do not fertilize it yet.
Water frequently and deeply for the first year.
Apple Tree Maintenance
Fertilize the tree in spring and again in early summer with a complete formula, that mainly includes the minor elements. Never fertilize in late summer or fall as this can encourage new growth that could be damaged by an early frost. Fertilize mostly the base of the tree.
Apple Tree Growth Rate
Many apple trees have a moderate to fast growth rate. Some fast growing apple trees include Red and Yellow Delicious and can grow up to 6-10 inches per year or more.
Apple Tree Pests
Pests that attack the tree, such as coddling moths; pests that attack the foliage and stems, such as aphids and scale insects; and diseases such as scab and mildew, will need to be controlled with a regular spraying.
The most important spray each year is done in late winter before the new leaves have grows. Mainly use dormant oil spray to kill pests that feed on twigs and stems, including scale insects and mites.
Pruning Apple Trees
Apple trees are usually pruned to a vase shape. During the first dormant season, choose 4-6 branches with wide crotches to serve as scaffolding, and remove all others.
The apple is a small, leaf-shedding tree that grows around 3 -2 mts. tall. An apple tree has a broad crown with thick twigs.
Some impressive Health Benefits of Apples
- Nutritious:
Calories: 104
Carbs: 28 grams
Fiber: 5 grams
Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 6% of the DV
Potassium: 5% of the DV
Vitamin K: 4% of the DV - It supports weight loss
- It can be good for your heart
- It is linked to a lower risk of diabetes
- It helps in promoting gut health
- It might help prevent cancer
- It could help fight asthma
- It helps protect your brain
Apples are considered as an incredibly nutritious fruit that offers multiple health benefits and are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Eating apples is directly linked to a lower risk of many chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Happy Planting!
