Guest ExtremeSoloDubV Posted January 28, 2008 Report Share Posted January 28, 2008 Let me refresh your memory..... My friends and I were clearing an area loaded with apple trees that were being taken over by larger timber and vines. All that is left now is some clean up work and the trees are now in direct sunlight .... But what should I do now to increase the chances of all of those trees producing this year, given cooperating weather conditions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted January 28, 2008 Report Share Posted January 28, 2008 trimming in the winter and fertilization early spring. http://www.aboutappletrees.com/trimming_apple_trees.shtml Fertilize your apple trees three times a year beginning in March, again in early June, and finally in late August to early September. (In colder agricultural zones with shorter growing seasons fertilize your trees twice a year - May and July.) Do not fertilize in late autumn as this will stimulate tender, late season growth which could be injured by winter’s cold. When selecting a fertilizer, be sure it is a balanced type (8-8-8 or 10-10-10). The general rule-of-thumb is to apply one pound of fertilizer per year of age of your tree up to a maximum of 5 pounds for a mature tree. As with the lime applications, spread the fertilizer out to the drip line the above taken from: http://www.bighorsecreekfarm.com/horticulture.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 don't forget to look into the bee situation. you may have to pollinate the blooms yourself if the area has a low bee population. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HUNTINGMAN Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 I agree,prune in the winter and fertilize in the spring.Make sure to fertilize around the drip line to give all roots time to soak it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 I have 5 apple trees that I use for family fruit. Apples are a ton of work. Don't be afraid to prune drastically. Get rid of all the new wood and most of the wood in the interior of the tree, this will allow wind and sun which will cut down on rust and scab. Be prepared to spray constantly. First spray should be Volks oil spray right before the buds bust. Spray again right after the blossoms stop. I suggest malathion. Sevin is OK, but Sevin tends to kill the apples too, and you will lose some fruit everytime you spray. Spray the fruit every two weeks or so to keep the aphids, curculios, yellow jackets, ants, etc. to a minimum. Most apple trees need a pollinator, golden delicious is probably the best pollinator to have. Like Steve said, I hope you have some bees nearby. I couldn't even imagine hand pollinating an apple tree. Save your money with fertilizer IMHO, it's not worth the money. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 Our "wild" apple trees on the 80ac. we hunt/improve bear every other year. They have done this since I can remember. We don't seem to have much problem with pollination as we have abundant agriculture, wildflowers and a neighboring apple orchard nearby. An occational late killing frost in the spring is usually our worst enemy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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