Apple Trees

Apple trees are one of the most rewarding additions to a home orchard — and one of the most problem-prone. A single wet spring without a preventive spray program can let fire blight kill 30 percent of your canopy, apple scab render every fruit unsightly, and codling moth ruin what’s left from the inside out. Unlike ornamental shrubs where cosmetic …

Learn when and how to prune apple trees for better fruit, healthier structure, and disease resistance. Includes timing by USDA zone, step-by-step technique, and a diagnostic table for common pruning problems.

The Golden Rule: It Depends on Where You Live Putting an apple tree in the ground is a leap of faith and a long-term investment. You’re not just planting for this season; you’re planting for the future. Because of this, it’s normal to want to do everything perfectly from the start. The most important question to ask is when is …