How to Grow and Care for an Apple Tree So It Produces Delicious Fruit for Decades

Growing an apple tree is a great way to enjoy delicious, fresh fruit from the comfort of your own home. Once these plants reach maturity, they can produce hundreds of apples per year—so you'll always have ingredients on hand for crisps, pies, fritters, and more.

Of course, growing an apple tree isn't without its challenges. Most need to be pollinated, many are prone to diseases, and you'll need to put in time and effort for them to reach maturity. To help make the process a bit easier for you, we consulted with expert arborists. Here's everything you need to know to grow these wonderful trees.

Select a Type

Some apple trees are better for home gardens than others. Of course, the best variety depends on your region and climate, so it's always a good idea to peruse your local farmer's market, or call a cooperative extension and ask for advice. Here are two apple trees that flourish in most of the U.S., and that are great choices for beginners.

Gala

Gala trees produce red apples that are sweet, crisp, and fast to mature. Unlike other varieties, Gala will fruit quickly—plus, they'll produce a prolific harvest for years.

"They’re also relatively disease-resistant when compared to other varieties," says Mark Canney, director of horticulture at Arbor Day Farm. "So they require less intensive management."

Fuji

Like Gala, Fuji has some natural disease resistance, so it isn't as prone to the much-dreaded apple scab. "They have a rich flavor with exceptional juiciness—they're great fresh and for cooking," adds Aaron Dillon, co-owner of Four Winds Growers.

Fuji's bright red apples look beautiful in the garden too.

Growing From Seed or Graft

You can try and grow an apple tree from seed, but Canney warns against it. For one thing, it's a longer process, as trees grown from seed can take six to 10 years longer to grow than grafted varieties.

Another concern is overall fruit quality. Growing from seed can lead to a fruit that's not as tasty, whereas commercial orchards use grafting methods that ensure great quality and size.

"If you're truly interested in the process and enjoy growing plants, then growing an apple tree from seed may be a rewarding learning experience," Canney says. "However, for reliable fruit production, and to enjoy the apple appearance and flavor you expect, grafted trees are going to be a better choice."

Local orchards or nurseries are the best place to start when it comes to buying a grafted tree.

When and Where to Plant

The best time to plant an apple tree is when it's dormant, which is typically in late spring or early fall.

"This minimizes transplant shock, and gives the roots a chance to establish before the summer heat," says Canney. "Early spring is ideal because the soil hasn't completely thawed, and late fall may work due to the milder temperatures and potential moisture."

In terms of location, apple trees need to be planted in well-drained soil and in a spot with plenty of sun. Canney recommends avoiding low-lying areas where water tends to collect, as poor drainage can lead to root rot—and other diseases.

Another important thing to consider is pollination. Most apple trees require cross-pollination from a compatible variety in order to bear fruit—and that variety must be nearby.

Care Requirements

Like any fruit tree, an apple tree's needs must be met in order for it to bear fruit. Here's everything you need to know.

Soil

Canney recommends well-drained, loamy soil that's slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. "Good drainage prevents water from pooling around the roots, reducing the risk of root rot and other fungal diseases," he says. "Heavy, clay soils or overly sandy soils can either retain too much water or drain too quickly."

The pH level is important because it makes nutrients more available to the tree, so it won't struggle to absorb them. It's worth noting that it's still possible to grow an apple tree if your soil doesn't meet these exact conditions, though—but you may have to amend it with compost or organic matter so its pH reaches the recommended levels.

Water

Watering will depend on where an apple tree is in its development cycle. For newly planted trees, Canney recommends lightly watering two to three times per week, so that they can establish strong roots.

"For established trees, a deep watering once a week is the right amount," he adds. "Deep watering encourages the roots to grow downward and become more resilient."

In terms of watering method, Canney recommends a soaker hose or drip irrigation, which will allow the water to penetrate the soil. How much should you water?

"Unfortunately, there are too many factors that come into play," he adds. "Always understand the soil type and climate conditions. Check the moisture regularly and adjust your schedule accordingly with the weather."

Light

Sunlight is important for producing healthy, delicious fruits, and also helps improve a tree's disease resistance. Ideally, apple trees should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.

"While some apple varieties may tolerate partial shade, for the best yields and quality of fruit, it's always best practice to plant your tree in a location where there's plenty of direct sunlight all day long," adds Canney.

Fertilizer

If your apple tree needs additional nutrients, applying fertilizer can be a good idea—but test the soil first to determine if it's deficient. Canney recommends a balanced, 10-10-10 fertilizer, or one formulated specifically for fruit trees. The best time to incorporate fertilizer is in early spring, and again in late fall if necessary.

Pruning

Pruning can help improve overall plant health by removing damaged branches and increasing canopy airflow and light penetration. Canney recommends pruning in late winter or early spring.

Harvesting

Harvesting apples should be easy. You'll know they're ready because they'll come off the branch with a slight twist—you shouldn't have to pull or tug. If you're growing red apples, then the fruit will have a deeper color when it's ripe.

"Harvest in dry weather when possible," says Canney. "Moisture may make the fruit more prone to bruising and disease."

Pests and Diseases

Unfortunately, there are many pests and diseases that can prevent an apple tree from bearing fruit or cause significant damage to the plant. One of the most common is apple scab, which is a fungal disease that causes dark, scabby spots to appear on the leaves and fruit.

"Improve air circulation to help prevent this—prune, or remove fallen leaves," says Canney. "Apply organic fungicides—including copper-based sprays or neem oil—early in the season."

Pests that love apple trees include apple maggots, aphids, spider mites, and coddling moths. The maggots, in particular, will burrow into the fruit, so throw out any infested apples.