Learning how to care for apple trees in spring often leads to a high yield of delicious, juicy fruits in autumn. As  Florida’s trusted tree contractor , our crew at Brothers in Arms Tree Services provided a few tips to assist you in your homegrown journey. Learn a few tips below to enjoy a successful harvest later in the year!

When purchasing apple trees, select two healthy saplings of different varieties. Planting two trees on the same property ensures proper pollination and a plentiful yield. While you should ideally plant your trees in autumn, you can plant them during the spring.

When  planting the trees , make sure you meet the following needs:

• Choose an area with ideal soil that drains well
• Ensure the saplings receive at least eight hours of sunlight. 
• Water the trees regularly if you plant them during spring.  

A strong start ensures their fruit quality and fruit size remain satisfactory in later years. 

Learning how to care for apple trees in spring is a simple process. Apple trees are excellent for beginners.

First, use pruning practices that assist the tree rather than harm it. Many people over-prune a tree, eliminating more branches than the tree size allows. Some property owners also make the mistake of pruning too early or too late.

Ideal pruning conditions occur during late winter or early spring. First, eliminate any damaged or dead branches. Trees can sustain damage from inclement weather or disease.

Next, trim branches that grow horizontally or vertically. These branches prevent sunlight from reaching any limbs below them. Finally, prune any excess limbs that crowd other branches to create room for new fruit growth. 

Most fruit trees don’t require annual fertilization. However, poor growth or soil composition might prompt you to fertilize them. If you notice your apple trees struggling or becoming weak, add a fertilizer formulated for fruit trees to the soil.

Other signs that your apple trees need fertilizer include:

• Poor fruit yield the previous year
• Extensive symptoms of disease (fertilization may assist the tree’s immunity)
• Discolored leaves or branches
• Soil test results that reveal a deficiency

Finally, take steps to prevent disease and pest problems. Apple trees fall prey to myriad insectile pests including:

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Scale
• Apple maggots
• Caterpillars

These pests consume plant matter and juices, leading to decreased or spoiled yields and a higher risk of disease.

Control these pests with neem oil treatments after the sun goes down. Applying neem oil in daylight causes leaf and fruit burns. Thus, using it at dusk allows more time for it to work without damage. 

Discovering how to care for apple trees in spring can bring joy. At Brothers in Arms Tree Services, our arborists can assist you with any tree’s life stages including when you have to say goodbye to an old leafy friend. Discover  questions to ask a tree removal service .

Call us at (850) 461-9500 to schedule services.

The post How to Care for Apple Trees in Spring: 3 Tips first appeared on Brothers In Arms Tree Service.

The post How to Care for Apple Trees in Spring: 3 Tips appeared first on Brothers In Arms Tree Service.