Apples are a delightful fruit anytime of the year, but particularly during spring and fall it seems. Events like fairs, fall festivals and carnivals have done much to preserve the use of apples over the years. Traditional and longstanding games, such as bobbing for apples, and the use of candied apples as Halloween treats are timeless, classic ways to use apples. Likewise, each year many families go to pick-it-yourself apple orchards. Quite simply, festive occasions have made the use of apples synonymous with certain times of the year.
If you’re interested in adding an apple tree, or trees, to your landscape, there are several things to consider.
First, examine what you are trying to accomplish by adding them to your property. Do you want to use them in baking? Do you want to can or make preserves? Do you want to reduce your grocery bill, however minimally, by growing your own apples? Do you want to have children or grandchildren over to pick their own and create family memories?
Second, decide what kinds of apples you want to grow and when you want them to bloom. Do online research or consult a local apple tree orchard to learn the differences in varieties of apples. Some may be better for baking than others, while some may taste better fresh. If you want the trees to produce apples during a particular season, for instance fall, you will need to research which varieties typically produce during that time. A little careful research and forethought can yield wonderful results.
Third, determine which apple trees may grow best in your region. Consider such things as average temperatures and amount of rainfall. Is the soil on your landscape fit for growing and sustaining an apple tree? Will the variety of apple tree that you desire to grow be sustainable in your area? What native wildlife or insects might be problematic or compete for the apples once they bloom?
Fourth, learn how to care for the tree. Perhaps you’ve never planted a fruit tree on your landscape. Is the size of your landscape sufficient for the apple tree at maturity? How big will the variety of apple tree you’ve selected grow to be? This is important to know so as to determine if picking the apples, once they produce, will be too challenging or even dangerous. How much water does the tree require, and how often? Do certain actions promote tree growth, apple size or overall health? In Austin, Texas, consult an arborist to inquire how to best care for your newly planted apple tree, or secure the services of an Austin tree trimming professional to optimize the growth of your apple tree.
Finally, one other consideration you may wish to make is purely aesthetic in nature. What color are the apples when they produce? Color can add an attractive feature to any landscape, no matter how fleeting it may be. An apple tree with pops of colorful apples hanging from the branches can make a great backdrop for a family photo or a homemade calendar.
Never underestimate the value of planting an apple tree on your landscape. If you don’t have previous experience with planting or sustaining fruit trees, contact an Austin tree care specialist for guidance, and enjoy the “fruits” of your labor!
About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree service in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and oak wilt treatment. For more information on Austin tree service, please visit https://centraltexastr.wpengine.com.
