They should be watered at planting time and at these intervals:

Example: a mature standard size (large) fruit tree occupying an area of 300 feet² with four, one gallon/hour emitters per tree. A hot summer day uses 0.25 inches of water per day (ET). How much: 0.156 gallon/day (TABLE) X 300 feet² = 46.8 gallons/day.

1. 1-2 weeks after planting, water daily.
2. 3-12 weeks after planting, water every 2 to 3 days.
3. After 12 weeks, water weekly until roots are established.

Prune yearly to maintain size and form once your apple tree has filled in and is bearing fruit. Pruning reduces disease by letting in more light and air. Large trees may need more pruning (and a ladder!). Prune your mature tree when it is dormant.

Once established, apples require very little care throughout the year. Water apples during dry spells and from when the fruit starts to swell, particularly if they are newly planted or in containers. The most effective method of doing this for rows of fruit trees is to place a drip line or seep hose under the trees.

Apple trees require nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — the three numbers on fertilizer bags — as well as various trace minerals. For home growers, fertilizers should have a higher nitrogen ratio to fuel healthy growth. Common granular 20-10-10 fertilizer is suitable for apples.

The apple tree (Malus domestica) begins producing fruit after two to 10 years, depending on the type of rootstock or if it’s grown from seed. Dwarf trees begin producing fruit first, while seedlings require a minimum of six years of growth before fruiting.

One tree is not enough To set fruit, the vast majority of apple trees requires a different variety grown nearby for pollination. While some apple varieties are self-pollinating, even they produce more fruit with another variety nearby.

A water soluble fertilizer is the best. Fertilizer spikes are not recommended for fruit trees in containers unless written otherwise on the product. Never fertilize in late fall or winter months. The tree does not want to produce any new growth during this season so you should not force it.

Container-grown trees should be supplemented annually with slow-release fertilizer or use a liquid feed at regular intervals. Refresh the soil each spring by removing the loose, dry topsoil and replacing it with fresh, compost-enriched soil.

The best time to fertilize new fruit trees is in spring, starting after bud-break and finishing by July. This provides nutrients when trees need them most. One of the most important things you can do for new fruit trees is help them to become established in their environment.

The powdered or crushed eggshells are best placed around fruit trees, tomatoes, roses and in potted plants, though it will be of benefit anywhere in the garden! As they decompose, the eggshells naturally enrich the soil, providing a slow, steady source of calcium, preventing blossom end rot from occurring.