Did you know that apple trees can take up to 10 years to produce fruit when grown from seed? When to plant apple trees properly is crucial for ensuring you don’t wait a decade for your first harvest.
December through March is specifically the best time for planting an apple tree, particularly for bare-root varieties. During this dormant season, trees establish themselves more effectively in the soil. However, if you’ve purchased potted apple trees, you can plant them year-round, but you’ll need more regular watering during drier summer months. The best time to plant apple trees in the UK remains the winter months, when the trees are naturally dormant and rainfall is more plentiful.
We’re particularly excited about how accessible apple growing has become for all gardeners. Thanks to dwarfing rootstocks, even those with smaller gardens or just patio space can successfully grow these fruit trees. All you need is a spot with well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine to get started.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about when and how to plant an apple tree correctly, from selecting the right location to proper planting techniques that ensure your tree thrives from day one.
How to Plant an Apple Tree the Right Way
Planting an apple tree correctly ensures it establishes quickly and grows healthily for years. The right technique sets the foundation for future harvests, regardless of whether you plant during the ideal dormant season or not.
Preparing the soil and location
Selecting the perfect spot is essential for your apple tree’s success. Choose an area that receives full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for the best fruit production. While apple trees can tolerate partial shade, they’ll produce more fruit with maximum sunlight.
The location should be sheltered from strong winds, with good accessibility for harvesting. Position your tree away from walls, boundaries, and existing large trees that might compete for nutrients and light.
Apple trees are generally unfussy about soil conditions and can even grow in clay. Nevertheless, they dislike waterlogged areas or very light sandy soil. For sandy soil, try varieties like James Grieve or Fiesta. Before planting, remove a circle of grass at least 1m in diameter if planting in a lawn – this prevents competition for nutrients and water.
Unlike many garden plants, apple trees benefit from not amending the soil deeply before planting. Adding amendments can create a “pot effect” where roots stay in the amended area instead of spreading outward.
Steps for planting bare root trees
- Soak the bare root tree in a bucket of water for 1-2 hours before planting
- Dig a planting hole wide enough to accommodate all roots when fully spread out (about 20 inches in diameter)
- Make the hole shallow rather than deep – only 2-3 inches at its deepest point
- Drive a stake into the ground about 18 inches deep and position it 2-3 inches from where the trunk will be
- Examine the roots and prune any that grow in a circular pattern to prevent girdling
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the soil mark on the trunk (where it was planted in the nursery) will be at ground level
- Spread the roots outward rather than letting them bunch together
- Add a small amount of compost to the base, then backfill with soil, gently shaking the tree to help soil fall between roots
- Firm the soil with your foot gently – avoid stomping which compacts soil too much
- Secure the tree to the stake using a figure-8 tree tie about 60cm above ground
Steps for planting potted trees
For container growing, choose trees grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks like M26 or M9. Use a container at least 45cm in diameter.
Start by loosening and removing some soil around the root edges. Check for and correct any circling roots before planting. Position the tree so the top of the soil is about 5cm below the pot rim.
Add some plant food to the base, then place the tree and fill with a loam-based compost like John Innes No.3. Water thoroughly after planting and raise the container on pot feet to improve drainage.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is planting too deep. The main tier of roots should be at ground level, and the graft union (where the tree was grafted onto rootstock) must remain 4 inches above soil level.
Another serious error is ignoring circling roots, which eventually strangle the trunk as both grow. Furthermore, stomping down soil removes air pockets needed for root respiration.
Improper mulching creates problems too. Avoid “mulch volcanoes” that pile material against the trunk. Instead, keep mulch several inches away from the trunk while extending it outward.
Finally, remember that most apple varieties need another compatible tree nearby for pollination. Unless you’ve chosen a self-fertile variety like ‘Egremont Russet’, ‘Braeburn’ or ‘Falstaff’, plant at least two trees that flower simultaneously.
Caring for Your Apple Tree After Planting
The first few years after planting are critical for your apple tree’s long-term health. Proper aftercare significantly boosts survival rates – in fact, good aftercare practices can increase urban tree survival from just 30-50% to over 90%.
Watering and mulching tips
Newly planted apple trees require approximately 20 liters of water per week. For established trees, reduce this to once every 2-3 weeks, increasing during fruit development periods. Container-grown trees need more frequent watering throughout the growing season.
Mulching is essential for tree health. Apply a 7.5-10cm (3-4 inch) layer of organic material around your tree in spring and autumn. For best results:
- Keep mulch 6 inches away from the trunk to prevent bark decay
- Extend mulch to the drip line (area beneath outer branches) where feeder roots grow
- Use organic materials like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure
- Consider decorative aggregates for cherry trees as light-colored mulches reflect light back into the canopy
Staking and protecting young trees
Most apple trees benefit from staking for 18 months to 3 years after planting. Insert a single angled stake at least 40cm (16in) into the soil. The stake should allow slight movement as this actually strengthens the trunk.
Secure the tree with non-abrasive ties about 60cm above ground level. For optimal support, use three tension straps evenly distributed around the tree. Check stakes and ties annually or after stormy weather to prevent trunk damage.
Signs your tree is thriving
Monitor shoot length in spring – this indicates overall tree health. Healthy trees have leaves that remain firm and flat throughout the season. Watch for signs of stress such as curling leaves or early leaf drop.
As your tree becomes established, it will develop a regular routine of growth, blooming, and fruiting. By the second year, you should notice new shoots extending outward as the root system expands – a sure sign your care is paying off.
What to Avoid When Planting Apple Trees
Avoiding common mistakes can make the difference between a flourishing orchard and years of frustration. Knowing what not to do is just as valuable as following best practices when establishing apple trees.
Planting during summer or frost
Timing your planting incorrectly creates unnecessary challenges. Avoid planting apple trees after October, primarily because the ground may freeze and become physically too hard to dig. For deciduous trees like apples, avoid planting once soil temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frost poses a significant threat to developing buds and flowers. On clear nights, cold air forms and sinks to the ground, potentially damaging young trees. If frost is forecast and you’ve already planted, consider covering small trees with horticultural fleece overnight, removing it during the day to allow pollinator access. For frost-prone gardens, choose late-flowering cultivars like ‘Edward VII’ or varieties with frost-resistant blossoms such as ‘Lane’s Prince Albert’.
Poor drainage and overcrowding
Despite their adaptability, apple trees despise waterlogged conditions. Roots need oxygen to function properly, and when submerged for extended periods, they essentially drown as they rot and die. Heavy clay soil presents particular drainage challenges, especially in low-lying areas where water collects after rainfall.
Accordingly, test drainage before planting by digging test holes and filling them with water. If water remains after 2-3 days, consider another location or implement drainage solutions. Additionally, ensure adequate spacing between trees to prevent nutrient competition and promote good air circulation.
Ignoring pollination needs
Perhaps the most common mistake is overlooking pollination requirements. Many apple trees have self-incompatible flowers, meaning they need another different cultivar flowering at the same time nearby. For effective cross-pollination, trees should typically be within 18m (55ft) of each other.
Consequently, triploid varieties like ‘Bramley’s Seedling’ and ‘Blenheim Orange’ require special attention as they produce sterile pollen. These varieties need two other compatible trees that will pollinate each other as well as the triploid. Crabapples make excellent pollinators due to their abundant, long-lasting flowers.
Essentially, bees perform about 90% of apple tree pollination work, avoiding neonicotinoid pesticides and providing habitats for pollinators directly benefits your fruit production.
Our Final Say!
Growing apple trees remains one of the most rewarding experiences for gardeners of all skill levels. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the ideal planting times – specifically December through March for bare-root varieties during their dormant season. Potted trees offer more flexibility, though winter planting still provides the best start for any apple tree.
Your apple tree’s success depends largely on three key factors. First, selecting the right location with full sun and proper drainage creates the foundation for healthy growth. Second, following correct planting techniques – particularly avoiding common errors like planting too deep or ignoring circling roots – significantly impacts future harvests. Last but certainly not least, consistent aftercare through proper watering, mulching, and temporary staking ensures your tree establishes strong roots.
Most importantly, apple growing has become accessible to everyone thanks to dwarfing rootstocks. Whether you have acres of land or just a small patio, you can enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own apples.
Remember, patience plays a vital role in successful apple growing. Though grafted trees produce fruit much faster than seed-grown ones, your tree still needs time to establish before rewarding you with a bountiful harvest. This waiting period gives you ample opportunity to learn about pruning, pest management, and fruit thinning – skills that enhance your gardening expertise.
Armed with this knowledge about proper planting times and techniques, you stand ready to embark on your apple-growing journey. The effort invested now will transform into years of delicious homegrown apples, beautiful spring blossoms, and the undeniable satisfaction of nurturing a tree from its earliest days.
Tree Surgeon Himley – Tree Surgeon Springhill – Tree Surgeon Cradley Heath
