OSCEOLA-LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Apple Tree Wildlife Habitat Packets
Apple Tree Wildlife Habitat Packets
This is one of our most popular wildlife habitat enhancement packets! Once again, apple tree packets will come pre-bundled in quantities of five (5). The trees will be 2-year old trees, 4-5 feet in height, 5/8 inch diameter, on mm111 root stock and are semi dwarf. They will grow to a height of 10 - 15 feet.
In order to keep prices as low as possible, we have entered into an agreement with our supplier, Hilltop Nursery. Essentially, they will pre-bundle packets with their surplus species suited to our soils and climate conditions in exchange for providing us a quality tree at a bargain rate!
Please Note: We will not know the combination of species within a bundle prior to tree distribution. Quantities are limited, so order early!
How to Plant Apple Trees
Apple trees should be planted 15-20 feet apart. Note: Two apple trees are needed for pollination. Dig the hole wide enough to accommodate the roots when spread out. Trees should be planted three inches above the soil line. Do not dig holes fare in advance of planting. Do not put anything in the hole except the tree, good soil and water. If the hole is too deep, fill with good soil and compact it to proper depth. Holding the tree upright in the hole, fill around the roots with three or four inches of soil. Keeping the tree erect, compact the soil around the roots. Now fill the hole with good soil, compact, and leave a shallow depression to hold water. Trees should be watered as soon as planted. To water, make a basin around the tree that will hold four or five gallons of water. Fill this basin, let it soak in and fill again, if necessary. In normal seasons, two waterings are usually enough, however dry seasons may require more.
Pruning
Note: A complete pruning guide is available at the District office.
Important Points on Pruning:
- Light is required for quality fruit.
- Prune during the dormant period, late winter or early spring. March and April are best.
- Use tools made specifically for pruning and keep them sharp and clean.
- Make all cuts smooth and close. Leave the collar but not the stub.
- On cultivars that bear heaviest on alternate years, do heavy pruning just before the bearing season.
Spraying
Fruit trees must be sprayed to control fungus, insect, and bacterial pests. All-purpose sprays are available at nursery and garden centers. Always follow the directions on the label.
Fertilizer
Do not fertilize apple trees the first year! After the trees have started to grow and they have had several rains or waterings, about four ounces of fertilizer may be applied in a narrow band around the trunk. Keep the fertilizer at least 16 inches from the trunk and water it in. For fertilizer recommendations contact your local county extension office.
Weed Control
Apple trees must be kept free of weeds if you expect them to grow to their highest potential. An area of three to five feet around the tree must be kept clean for the first three years. The row middles can be planted with sod. Most growers using sod culture also use chemical weed control around the trees. This may be started the first year, but choose a product designed for the first year trees and follow label directions carefully.
Rodents and Deer
Apple trees can be severely damaged by mice, rabbits and deer. The best method to control mice and rabbit damage is to purchase a tree wrap to place around the trunk of the tree. Tree wrap can be found at most elevators or farm and garden centers. Deer damage is best controlled by placing a strong fence around each individual tree (6' in diameter) or one fence around several trees. The fence should be at least 8 - 10 feet high.
Contact Us:
138 W. Upton, Suite #2
Reed City, MI 49677
Web Designer: Kathy Fischer kathy.fischer@mi.nacdnet.net
Phone (231) 832-2950
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