Apple tree care - Ask Extension
We just planted 3 apple trees. I was wondering what types of about pests or disease are common in NW Ohio, and what is the best way to care for the ne...
Knowledgebase
Apple tree care #840676
Asked July 14, 2023, 1:18 PM EDT
We just planted 3 apple trees. I was wondering what types of about pests or disease are common in NW Ohio, and what is the best way to care for the new, young trees to promote healthy growing (ie, fertilizer requirements, pest/disease sprays, frequent watering, etc)?
Allen County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello,
Here are some facts and resources that are important to a home gardener when caring for apple trees.
It's best to grow disease resistant varieties. Some of the most common diseases of apple trees apple scab, apple cedar rust, and fireblight. Any selection planted should have been bred to have some resistance to the major apple tree diseases.
These disease resistant varieties are listed in the Ohioline Factsheet 1401, which I've listed a link for below. While you have already selected and planted the trees, please read Factsheet 1401 for important information regarding care of the apple trees.
You don't mention which kind of trees you have but you do need to have two different cultivars in order to have the pollination needed for sufficient fruiting. The two cultivars also need to have sufficient pollen at the same time in order for pollination to occur. Sometimes two different cultivars are grafted onto one rootstock. The individual tree tag should have the name of the variety.
The trees should be planted in a full sun site (8 or more hours), with early morning sun exposure. The soil should be a PH of around 6.5. The soil most suited to apple trees is sandy loam or sandy clay loam.
It's important to assess the soil by conducting a soil test. I've listed a link below for an article that explains how to conduct a soil test and where the soil samples should be sent. When the soil samples are submitted, it would be important to mention that you are growing apple trees. The soil testing lab can give you suggestions for improving the soil and adjusting the PH if needed.
The article listed below from the University of Minnesota has some excellent information about caring for young trees. Right now it would be important to keep the soil moist until the roots are established. Avoid overhead watering if possible. The tree ring should be kept weed free and have an application of a couple of inches of mulch. A tree guard should be placed around the trunk to protect it from animals and cold temperatures in the winter.
The trees should be fertilized in the spring with a 10-6-4 fertilizer.
The instructions for the amounts of the application, according to the age of the trees, are located in Factsheet 1401.
For information on treating the trees for diseases and insects, please read Bulletin 780, Controlling Diseases and Insects in the Home Garden. I have listed the link for the bulletin below. The information for apple trees starts on page 13.
I also encourage you to order the Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide, Bulletin 940, published by OSU. This guide can give you all the information you need for growing apples in the home garden.
There is a link below for Bulletin 940.
There is a lot of information here, please write back if you should have more questions. Additionally, the Allen County Extension office in Lima may be another source of information for you.
Thanks for asking Ask Extension.
Betsy B. - MGV
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1401
https://cuyahoga.osu.edu/sites/cuyahoga/files/imce/Program_Pages/ANR/DigIn/Controlling%20Diseases%20and%20Insects%20in%20Home%20Fruit%20Plantings%2C%20Bulletin%20780%20%28whole%29.pdf
https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/midwest-home-fruit-production-guide/
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples
https://allen.osu.edu/
Here are some facts and resources that are important to a home gardener when caring for apple trees.
It's best to grow disease resistant varieties. Some of the most common diseases of apple trees apple scab, apple cedar rust, and fireblight. Any selection planted should have been bred to have some resistance to the major apple tree diseases.
These disease resistant varieties are listed in the Ohioline Factsheet 1401, which I've listed a link for below. While you have already selected and planted the trees, please read Factsheet 1401 for important information regarding care of the apple trees.
You don't mention which kind of trees you have but you do need to have two different cultivars in order to have the pollination needed for sufficient fruiting. The two cultivars also need to have sufficient pollen at the same time in order for pollination to occur. Sometimes two different cultivars are grafted onto one rootstock. The individual tree tag should have the name of the variety.
The trees should be planted in a full sun site (8 or more hours), with early morning sun exposure. The soil should be a PH of around 6.5. The soil most suited to apple trees is sandy loam or sandy clay loam.
It's important to assess the soil by conducting a soil test. I've listed a link below for an article that explains how to conduct a soil test and where the soil samples should be sent. When the soil samples are submitted, it would be important to mention that you are growing apple trees. The soil testing lab can give you suggestions for improving the soil and adjusting the PH if needed.
The article listed below from the University of Minnesota has some excellent information about caring for young trees. Right now it would be important to keep the soil moist until the roots are established. Avoid overhead watering if possible. The tree ring should be kept weed free and have an application of a couple of inches of mulch. A tree guard should be placed around the trunk to protect it from animals and cold temperatures in the winter.
The trees should be fertilized in the spring with a 10-6-4 fertilizer.
The instructions for the amounts of the application, according to the age of the trees, are located in Factsheet 1401.
For information on treating the trees for diseases and insects, please read Bulletin 780, Controlling Diseases and Insects in the Home Garden. I have listed the link for the bulletin below. The information for apple trees starts on page 13.
I also encourage you to order the Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide, Bulletin 940, published by OSU. This guide can give you all the information you need for growing apples in the home garden.
There is a link below for Bulletin 940.
There is a lot of information here, please write back if you should have more questions. Additionally, the Allen County Extension office in Lima may be another source of information for you.
Thanks for asking Ask Extension.
Betsy B. - MGV
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1401
https://cuyahoga.osu.edu/sites/cuyahoga/files/imce/Program_Pages/ANR/DigIn/Controlling%20Diseases%20and%20Insects%20in%20Home%20Fruit%20Plantings%2C%20Bulletin%20780%20%28whole%29.pdf
https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/midwest-home-fruit-production-guide/
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples
https://allen.osu.edu/
