Planting Apple Trees

[forgeblast]

The problem with chicken wire is the rabbits and mice will get in and girdle the tree. I lost one last winter, and this tree is in where the dogs play. Brave rabbits.

 

[DT86]

The problem with chicken wire is the rabbits and mice will get in and girdle the tree.

I said chicken wire but i meant 1/2" squares, should i look for something even smaller like screen?

 

[2458n]

The 24 inch is the way to go. This Old House had Roger planting trees last week and he said the hole should be 3 times the rootball. I have a 40 year old apple tree with 5 different types of apples on the tree. Bought it bare rooted and grafted from Spring Hill. Man this tree has had a rough life. Only bought one because of the cost. No other apple tree around for miles= no apples. Finally planted some more Red Delicous and apples every where. You will be rewarded.

 

[TomSeller]

Do you know anything more specifically about the root stock? There may be a type of root stock marked on the labels. ie M25 for full size or M7 for semi dwarf.

 

[DT86]

Do you know anything more specifically about the root stock? There may be a type of root stock marked on the labels. ie M25 for full size or M7 for semi dwarf.

I'll check and get back with you. Some had nice printed labels that probably has that info and others were just plain white tags marked with a Sharpie.

 

[sixdogs]

Seems like the bucket with a hole in it would work better that the PVC pipe. Also, too far apart is equally bad to too close together. Look up variety and get it right the first time.

 

[PRF]

I've planted a lot of fruit--and other-- trees over the years and this is the way I have had the best results.

For the first year, I plant them in buckets and keep them close to the house where I can water and fertilize them and don't have to stake them. This way they get a great start with no stress.

In September of that year when the ground is dry I dig the holes bigger than I should and plant where I want them. Staking is really not needed because the roots are established and the tree is much stronger. The dry dirt fills around the root ball firmly and I water before I back fill. The cooler weather of the fall is very conducive to tree starts.

For the next two years I water frequently. I drill a 3/16" hole in the bottom--or at the side near the bottom--of a five gallon bucket, fill with water and let it run out slowly. Makes it painless and the water goes in the tree and not as runoff. We have probably done 600 trees like this and only lost a couple. Before that I would lose many more.

That sounds like some great pointers.. I'm guessing you start with bare root stock? Do you use any special potting mix in the buckets? I'm planning on putting a dozen or so trees in next year so much obliged for the tips !!

 

[TomSeller]

I use a mix of potting soil around the roots and native soil mixed in near but blended in at the bottom and sides of the pot. I figure the roots are going to need to get used the native soil anyway. Don't let grass grow around the trees for at least 5 years depending on the root stock. I protect from deer with a chicken wire hoop attached to tall stakes. I don't have rabbits but do have insects that are a problem. I use tanglefoot on the covered trunk to prevent insect travel onto the trees. I plant in the ground at the 3rd year mark.

I have been growing from seed using Antonovka seed since it is fairly true to the famous variety in vigorousness. I then select the strongest of 20 pips every year and graft onto them. This gives me the tap root which stooled root stock does not have.

 

[forgeblast]

I said chicken wire but i meant 1/2" squares, should i look for something even smaller like screen? if you going to be buying it go with 1/4'' but if you have the 1/2'' around it will be fine.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I put spiral tree guards around several young fruit trees in my yard to protect against mice. The tree guards hug the trunk closely, but expand as it grows (sunlight makes them brittle in two or three years, though). A couple of larger ornamental trees are protected with pieces of split plastic drain tile. In the yard, I'm protecting from the weed whip and mower as much as the mice...we don't have any wild ungulates here.

plastic spiral tree protectors - Bing Images