Table of Contents
The spacing depends on the type of tree: a row of full-size trees should be planted 15 to 18 feet apart; dwarf varieties can be closer, 6 to 8 feet apart in a row.
What happens if you plant apple trees too close together?
Problems. If the fruit trees do grow tall, however, close planting can cause problems. The trees create too much shade, preventing light from penetrating to the lower branches. This can encourage the growth of fungii and reduce the production of fruit, potentially damaging or ruining the fruit harvest.
How far apart should apple trees be pollinated?
Since bees fly between trees, it’s also important to consider the spacing between your apple trees. Plant them too far apart and bees can’t reach the pollinator partners! For pollination purposes, the recommended planting distance for apple trees is within a 100 foot distance.
How much space do you need between fruit trees?
Most standard-sized fruit trees need approximately 20 feet by 20 feet of space to grow properly, though standard-sized apple and sweet cherry trees need around 35 by 35 feet of space. Citrus trees only require about 8 feet to grow properly.
Do apple trees need to be planted in pairs?
Answer: Pollination and fertilization are necessary for fruit development. Plant at least two different apple tree varieties within 50 feet of one another for good fruit set. Some apple varieties, such as Golden Delicious, will produce a crop without cross-pollination from a second variety.
Can you plant different fruit trees next to each other?
All types of fruit trees grow well together. Spacing for good canopy development, easy picking, good air circulation and size compatibility are important considerations in choosing fruit trees for the backyard orchard.
Can fruit trees be planted on a slope?
Apples are an enduring and useful crop, and the fruit can be used to make everything from apple cider to pie or savory preserves. Planting apple trees on a slope allows for better drainage and airflow than planting on flat ground.
How long does it take for an apple tree to bear fruit?
Dwarf apple trees will start bearing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting. Standard size trees can take up to 8 years to bear fruit. Some varieties are more susceptible to insect and disease damage than others. Prune annually to keep apple trees healthy and productive.
How close to a fence can you plant a fruit tree?
Dig a hole for the fruit bush or tree that is about two times the size of the root ball. Plant the bush or tree about four inches from the fence. This allows the plant to grow close enough so the fence can provide support.
Can a pear tree pollinate an apple tree?
No tree of the same genus (i.e. Malus) nearby. It is best to pollinate fruit trees of the same genus with each other — apples with apples, or pears with pears — but pears can cross-pollinate with apples, as long as both trees bloom at the same time. The other cultivar in yard is sterile.
Can you plant cherry trees next to apple trees?
Apple, sweet cherry and pear trees are generally not self-fruitful and require a compatible variety planted nearby as a pollinizer.
Are apple trees easy to grow?
Growing apple trees organically can be challenging. Sadly, fruit trees also have a down side because they experience pest and disease problems, poor production, and nutrient deficiencies. And growing apple trees is notoriously difficult. When growing apple trees, there are so many potential problems to contend with.
How can you tell if a apple tree is male or female?
You cannot tell flower function (or gender) just by looking. Trees do not show their gender until they are sexually mature and start to flower. Sexual maturity in trees, depending upon the species, can occur from 1 to 50 years of age. Sometimes sexual maturity occurs for either the male or female flowers and cones.
Which apple trees are self-pollinating?
Varieties of Self-Pollinating Apples Alkmene. Cox Queen. Granny Smith. Grimes Golden.
What apple trees should be planted together?
However, most apples require not only a second apple tree to pollinate, but a second tree of a different cultivar (for example, a Pink Lady Apple should be paired with a Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith or McIntosh Apple to produce fruit).
What grows around apple trees?
Dogwood and sweet cicely attract beneficial insects that eat apple tree pests.The following plants include apple tree companions that deter pests and enrich the soil when cut back and left as mulch: Comfrey. Nasturtium. Chamomile. Coriander. Dill. Fennel. Basil. Lemongrass.
Can you plant blueberries near apple trees?
Yes, they should do even better that way! I like to plant blueberries on the southernish dripline of my fruit trees where they get some sun and a little shade. The blueberries will grow towards the sun as the tree grows and can help shade the base of the fruit tree and maximize the growing area at the same time.
Which tree is best planted in slope?
Firs and Pines. Evergreens are great for hilly and sloping portions of your landscape. These hardy trees hold the soil well, so they can prevent the erosion that might otherwise have taken place. A Douglas fir is always a great choice for hills and sloping areas of your yard.
How many apple trees do I need?
Tip. Unless you plant a self-pollinating apple tree, you need at least two trees for proper pollination. The trees should be different cultivars that flower at the same time.
How long do apple trees live?
For instance, standard apple and pear trees can easily live for over 50 years, whereas dwarf and semi-dwarf trees may only live for 15-25 years. Dwarf and semi-dwarf trees tend to reach bearing age sooner, which can benefit the home gardener, but they will also reach the end of their productive life sooner.
How do you take care of an apple tree for the first year?
You will need to prune your apple tree—to train it to a central leader the first year and for maintenance every year after that—to stimulate fruit production and to keep the tree open and balanced. Without regular pruning, an apple tree produces lots of vegetative growth that then turns into fruiting wood.
