We plant an apple tree on the site according to all the rules. How and when is it better to plant an apple tree with a closed and open root system, the distance between seedlings Where is it better to plant apple trees

Almost every farmer can boast of an apple orchard. This tree is easy to care for and delights with tasty and juicy fruits, which is why many gardeners give it preference. In this article we will answer the question of where to plant an apple tree and how to properly prepare the soil so that the fruit tree will delight you with an excellent harvest for many years.

How to choose a place to plant different varieties

There are some general principles by which you need to choose a place to plant this plant. Of course, depending on different varieties, conditions may vary slightly, but the key points remain the same.

The optimal place to plant a tree is in an open area, preferably on a hill. The soil must be loose to provide the plant's root system with sufficient water permeability and breathability. In addition, the plant does not tolerate proximity to groundwater - excess moisture can lead to rotting of the tree roots. Of course, if this cannot be avoided, the solution may be drainage, through which excess water will be removed.

The spacing between trees may vary depending on the variety. For example, if apple trees are undersized, then a distance of 1.5–2 m will be sufficient for optimal conditions. In the case where the trees are significant in size, a larger plot may be needed to provide a distance of up to 5 m. Also, apple trees of different varieties suitable for mutual pollination should be planted on the plot.

In addition, it is worth protecting the plants from strong winds. To do this, you can plant sea buckthorn or rowan on the northern border of the site.

Now let's talk in more detail about how to choose a place to plant different varieties of apple trees.

Winter

Winter varieties are quite popular among gardeners. This is explained by the fact that they are able to withstand even the most severe frosts relatively easily. In addition, their fruits can be stored for a very long time, and they acquire their main taste qualities after a certain time after storage.

But it is precisely because of these characteristics that they require a huge amount of heat. This means that the soil on which they grow must be well fertilized (more fertilizing is required than summer varieties), and cultivated varieties should not be observed near the plant. That is, their soil must be as nutritious as possible in order to ensure energy conservation.

Summer

These are apple trees with a short shelf life of fruits and, moreover, are absolutely not resistant to low temperatures and cold weather. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in more or less warm regions (the middle and southern zones are suitable), where frosts are not too severe. In addition, they do not like cold winds, so it is worth providing the plants with proper protection. It is also worth noting that it is best to choose a place to plant a tree where there will be a lot of sunlight, because summer varieties absolutely need it.

Autumn

Autumn varieties are characterized by average frost resistance and relatively long shelf life of fruits.

In order for this apple tree to take root on the site, it is necessary to choose a well-lit area. In addition, you should ensure that the plant avoids drafts and sudden changes in temperature, and if the location of the tree itself does not allow this, you need to provide it with proper protection on your own. In addition, it is not recommended to fertilize the soil too often; rare fertilizing is enough for the plant.

How to prepare the soil

In order for the soil to be quite good, it should be prepared several weeks before planting. This is done so that it is saturated with useful substances and, by the time of planting, the soil has settled sufficiently. What fertilizers are best to choose?

The hole should be a meter in diameter and up to 80 cm deep. It is necessary to mix the fertile and infertile layers of soil, adding fertilizers (humus, ash, superphosphates and potassium sulfate). The hole is filled to the top, and a small mound of earth should be left on top so that the seedling does not end up in the funnel after some time.

After the soil has settled, you can carefully plant apple tree seedlings on the site.

After we have answered the questions about how to choose a place to plant this plant, we will consider some of the nuances associated with growing apple trees.

If the tree is planted in soil in which the clay content is quite high, you need to deepen the hole and lay a layer of drainage on the bottom using wood trimmings or stones. Thus, the plant will have additional reserves of oxygen, which will last for many years. If, on the contrary, the soil is sandy, you need to lay a layer of clay to retain moisture at the very roots.

Remember that actively growing apple trees are among the tallest trees in the garden, so it is recommended to plant it in the northwestern corner of the site so that it does not shade other plants.

A popular question among novice gardeners is whether it is possible to plant a new apple tree in the place of the old one. Many farmers agree that this should not be done. There will not be enough nutrients left in the place where the old apple tree grows, but root diseases and pests (if any) will migrate to the new seedling.

Therefore, it is recommended to look for another place where you could plant a tree and thereby avoid possible problems. Some, however, have found an alternative - they plant a stone fruit representative (for example, a cherry) in the chosen place. But, in any case, you need to look for a new place on the site for a young apple tree.

And finally, we note that optimal planting of the plant is best done by two people. After all, when a seedling is placed in the ground, its roots should be straightened. So, one person will work on the root system, while the second will gradually cover it with soil, at the same time compacting the soil well. This way the result will be most effective, and the roots of the tree will remain safe and sound. Now you know where the apple tree grows best.

Video “Instructions for planting an apple tree”

From this video you will learn how to plant apple trees correctly.

If you want to grow an apple orchard on your property or plant just one such tree and get abundant harvests, then you should first figure out how to do it correctly: how to plant an apple tree, when exactly to plant in the spring, what place to choose, what scheme to follow, etc. We will talk about this and much more further.

Did you know? Our ancestors always ate the fruits of wild apple trees. The charred remains of these trees were found by archaeologists at lake sites of the Neolithic period (in Switzerland). But the domesticated apple tree comes from the territories of modern Kyrgyzstan and southern Kazakhstan. There you can still find the wild Sievers apple tree, from which the popular domestic tree today comes.

Planting an apple tree in spring: when to start work


The advantage of spring planting is that before the onset of frost, the trees will have time to get stronger and will more easily survive the drop in temperature. The answer to the question “When exactly should I plant apple trees in the spring?” largely depends on the region where you live. For mid-latitudes, the planting period is mid-April, and for northern regions - at the beginning of May. To check the readiness of the soil, simply dig it with a shovel: the bayonet should enter the soil quite easily. Do not wait for the soil to completely thaw or for sap to start flowing. If planted too late, the tree will not have enough moisture, it will become sick and grow stunted. Everything must be done before the buds open. Perhaps the seedlings will lose their quality due to a sharp rise in temperature. This is especially true in areas experiencing early drought. It is very important to choose the right time for planting apple tree seedlings in the spring, since the favorable outcome of growing the tree largely depends on this.

Important! Trees planted in spring must be constantly and regularly watered. Insufficient watering can cause a noticeable drying out of the weakened root system, which will ultimately lead to uneven development of the under- and above-ground parts of the seedlings.

Having decided on the variety of apple tree, you can go for planting material. Spontaneous markets are not very suitable for this, since in such places there is a possibility of buying the wrong variety or weakened plants that were stored incorrectly. Therefore, it is better to contact a specialized store or nursery. When purchasing, be sure to inspect the bark of the selected specimen: it must be without damage. At the time of planting apple tree seedlings in the spring, they should have 1.5 m in height, a two- or three-year developed root system (at least 3 skeletal branches 30-35 cm long) and several branches (at least 3, 50 cm each). A high-quality seedling will have a light and juicy cut, and any signs of pests and diseases should be completely absent. Often the trunk of a plant has already begun to become woody by the time it is sold.

Did you know? Cultivated apple trees first appeared on the territory of Kievan Rus in the 11th century. In 1051 (the period of the reign of Yaroslav the Wise) a whole garden was planted, which later became known as the garden of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. In the 16th century, apple trees began to be grown in the north of Rus'.

Choosing a place to plant seedlings

Before planting an apple tree in the spring, take care of a suitable place. Choose an area with good lighting (preferably not on the south side). and make sure that it is protected from the wind, because this way pollination by insects will be better and the yield will be higher. Also, be sure to make sure that the groundwater in this place is deep and over time it will not begin to wash the roots of the tree. Apple trees prefer fertile, light, loamy soils.

How to plant an apple tree in spring, step-by-step instructions

To make it easier to understand how to plant an apple tree in the spring, we offer you step-by-step instructions for this process.

How to prepare the soil for planting an apple tree in spring


Of course, you can simply, without any preparation, bury the seedlings in the ground, but then there is a high probability that they will not take root or the yield will not be very high. Therefore, it is advisable to dig up the selected area in advance (at the end of summer/beginning of autumn), and loosen the top layer of soil immediately before planting trees.

Important!When you decide to plant a large number of apple trees on your site, a year before it is better to sow lupine, mustard, phacelia or other green manure plants in the chosen place. Let them grow without flowering and mow them down. Do not remove the cut grass, leaving it on the site until digging.

If the soil is clayey, it will not be able to allow moisture to pass through and the apple trees will quickly wither. To avoid this, raise the surface level by 80 cm, using compost, coarse river sand and peat.

Preparing the planting hole

Preparing a hole for planting an apple tree can be done in the spring (a week before planting) or in the fall. This procedure is very important, since this will not just be a place for roots, but a nutrient medium for plants for the next few years.

That's why:

  • Dig the required number of holes 70 cm deep and about 60 cm in diameter.
  • Provide drainage if necessary.
  • Secure the stake in the center, leaving 30-40 cm on the surface.
  • Add peat, rotted manure, humus and compost to the extracted soil.
  • Fill the hole completely and place a mound on top.
  • Moisten the soil thoroughly.

Speaking about how to plant an apple tree in the spring, it is also necessary to include in the step-by-step guide a scheme for planting seedlings.

It includes the following steps:

  • Start by placing the roots in water for a few hours before planting.
  • Then, in a previously prepared hole, dig a hole of the required size (the rhizome should fit comfortably).
  • Place the seedling in the hole so that the stake is on the south side of the plant.
  • Spread out the roots.
  • Pour warm water over them.
  • Cover the roots with soil before the moisture is absorbed. Make sure that the place where the trunk and rhizome connect is 4-5 cm above the ground.
  • Wait a little and compact the soil with a shovel.
  • Tie the apple tree to a support (near the root and on top).
  • Water the hole (apply 40 liters of water at a time), and then do not water for about a week.
  • Mulch the tree trunk circle with sawdust or pine needles.
  • Prune to form a crown.

Did you know?When planting apple trees in both spring and autumn, it is necessary to maintain a certain distance between the trees. It depends on the type of tree. Previously, most often, large-growing apple trees were planted (at a distance of 6 m from each other). These varieties are still planted, but fruit trees on dwarf rootstock have become more popular. This is due to their compact size, which is very convenient for harvesting. They can be planted at a distance of 4 m from each other. Columnar varieties are often grown, keeping a distance of 2 m between them.

The apple tree is not considered an exotic plant in gardens. It has been cultivated for many decades. But, despite this, not everyone knows how to plant an apple tree correctly so that it takes root, develops and delights with abundant fruiting every year.

The plant takes root well and grows actively. That is why planting an apple tree is possible at any time. Nevertheless, professionals and old-time gardeners say that it is worth planting young specimens in the spring or autumn.

Each time has its advantages and disadvantages:

Advice! After planting a young plant, the soil in the tree trunk circle is mulched with dry grass, straw, and peat. This will help reduce the percentage of moisture evaporation from the soil.

Possible mistakes:

  • choosing a large seedling with undeveloped roots.
  • Planting a plant in an unprepared hole with poor soil.
  • Abundance that burn young roots.
  • Planting too early in spring.

Apple trees are resilient plants and take root well in new places. However, planting fruit trees should follow the rules of agricultural technology.

When should you dig a hole for an apple tree?

When is the best time to plant apple trees? Preparing a hole for planting seedlings is a key point in performing agricultural work. The pit that will be used for planting the crop must contain nutritious soil: the supply of microelements and organic matter should be enough for 2-3 years of development. The hole is dug 2 times deeper than the height of the plant. For example, if the planting material is 50 cm high, then the depth of the hole will be 1 m. The width of the planting hole should be slightly larger than the root system, usually 1 m in diameter. The walls should be formed semicircular, the edges should be saggy.

If you plan to plant a seedling in the spring, the hole is prepared in the fall. Fill the hole with a nutrient composition and cover it for the winter. In the spring, soil is removed from the hole and a young tree is planted.

Planting an apple tree in the fall also requires preliminary preparation of the site. As a rule, a hole is dug a month before the planned time of work.

Advice! When digging a hole, you should separate the fertile top layer of soil from the bottom. In the future, only this will be used.

How to prepare a hole for planting so that an apple tree bears fruit - there is only one answer: the hole must “stand” and correspond to the size of the root system.

Preparing the bottom of the hole for an apple tree

The distance between apple trees when planting must be maintained. This will prevent the garden from becoming overcrowded in the future. That is why holes are dug, following the schemes developed by professionals:

  • Vigorous specimens are planted according to a 5x6 m pattern.
  • Semi-dwarf plants - 3x5 m.
  • Dwarf varieties - 50X100 cm.

Preparing a hole for planting a plant involves preliminary preparation of nutritious soil. For an apple tree, you should take the dug up top layer of soil, 20 liters of rotted manure or compost (in equal parts, possible), 750 g of wood ash, 1 kg of universal mineral fertilizer, 300 g of lime. The apple tree loves soil of normal acidity. At elevated levels, lime will help level out acidity.

Important! Fresh manure is not used on fruit plants, as it burns young roots.

How to plant an apple tree if groundwater is close, which can not only affect the abundance of fruiting, but also lead to the death of the plant, should be studied in particular detail. Professionals indicate the following indicators: large varieties are planted in areas with groundwater depths of more than 3 m, semi-dwarf varieties - 2.5 m, dwarf varieties - 1.5 m. The sides of the pit should not be made smooth; it is recommended to loosen them. You should also lay drainage: broken brick or ceramics, sand, crushed stone. They prefer the following varieties: White filling, Orlinka, Chernenko, Isaeva, Bessemyanka, Brusnichnoe, Brown striped, Northern signal, Winter beauty and others. When purchasing, you should inquire about the plant’s resistance to shallow groundwater.

How to plant apple trees in clay soil is another frequently asked question. There are several basic rules for this agricultural technology:


When is it better to plant apple trees, in spring or autumn, there is no definite answer. Professionals rate the chances of both periods equally highly. But planting apple trees in the spring with seedlings is carried out much less frequently, since it is possible to purchase them at a nursery only in the autumn.

Applying fertilizers for planting apple trees

The use of nutrients when preparing the substrate depends on the period of work:


After adding nutrients, the plant will not need them for another 2 years. During this period, the root will grow greatly and will require new feeding.

It is noteworthy that the development of plants is influenced by their proximity to other crops. That is why, before starting planting work, you should determine what will grow next to the apple tree. The question of which trees can be planted with an apple tree is very interesting and well studied. So, the plant will grow well next to raspberries, which help enrich the soil with oxygen, and ash maple - protection from the fruit moth. Neighborhood with potatoes, wormwood, juniper, acacia, poplar and lilac is not recommended.

Apple trees are also distinguished by their undemanding climate. Plants are successfully grown in all regions of the country. Even a beginner can professionally cope with planting a young seedling, which a few years later will delight with its first fruiting.

For everyone who cannot imagine their life without gardening, apple trees are of great interest. Every year with the arrival of spring, we are itching to renew the garden with new residents. And it’s not without reason: if you follow the rules for planting apple trees and choose the optimal time correctly, very soon young apple trees will delight you with their first harvest. So, today we will try to figure out how to properly plant an apple tree seedling at home so that it takes root safely.

How to choose the best time to plant

Proper planting of an apple tree must be done before the buds begin to bloom on the trees. Otherwise, if you plant the trees a little later, a sharp increase in temperature may not have the best effect on the seedlings - they quickly lose their quality. You can determine how ready the soil for an apple tree is for planting using an ordinary garden shovel: if the bayonet enters the ground without excessive effort, then the time has come. When the soil has completely thawed, it will be too late to plant apple tree seedlings: now the tree will not have enough moisture, and the risk of developing diseases will accordingly increase. And the burning spring sun will mercilessly burn the young leaves.

Choosing a variety for your region

When planning to plant an apple orchard with your own hands, choosing varieties according to your preferences, it is important to consider several factors. Firstly, how adapted is the variety you have chosen to your region of residence, and secondly, what are its productivity indicators in these climatic conditions. Another important point in choosing fruit trees is the timing of fruit ripening.

Gardeners distinguish several groups:

  • summer or early apple trees - those that bear fruit in August and are stored for a very short time (for example, the well-known White filling);
  • autumn - peak fruiting occurs in September. Such apples can be stored for about a month;
  • winter - the harvest is harvested from the end of September, and such fruits are stored for almost six months.

In addition, there are vigorous and semi-dwarf trees, the difference between which is their height and spreading nature. Having an idea of ​​varietal varieties, you can choose the best option. Thus, winter varieties are not suitable for the northern regions (they will not have time to ripen before the onset of cold weather).

How to select the ideal seedling

Before planting an apple tree (or several apple trees) of the selected variety, you also need to select a high-quality seedling. In order for the planting material to take root and meet your hopes, you need to take into account several nuances:

  • try to purchase seedlings of fruit trees in special farms or stores - this way there is a greater chance that you will get a high-quality tree and will belong to the desired varietal variety;
  • the seedling should be about 1.5 m tall, have no visible damage to the bark, have several branches and a well-developed root system.

Treatment of seedlings before planting

In order for planting apple tree seedlings at home to be carried out according to all the rules, it is important to know how to prepare them for the process, and not to skip such a preparation stage as pruning.

In this case, it is important to completely cut off the top of the seedling, leaving a few buds that will give life to the side branches. In addition, pruning must also include those buds that are directed upward, otherwise vertical branches will grow from them that will compete with the main trunk. And one more thing: before planting an apple tree, be sure to find out what maximum height the tree can reach. This will give you the opportunity to properly prune the seedling and choose the right place for it in the apple orchard so that further care of the apple tree at home will not be difficult.

Soil preparation

To know how to plant an apple tree correctly, it is important to correctly complete all the preparatory steps. Preparing a hole for planting an apple tree at home is a procedure that should be carried out two weeks before planting the apple tree. In this case, the size of the planting hole for an apple tree will directly depend on the type of crop: if you have chosen a tall tree, then prepare a hole about 1 m in diameter and at least 0.7 m deep.

The planting depth of a medium-sized apple tree will be only 60 cm, with a hole diameter of 1 m. But for dwarf trees, it will be enough to prepare a planting hole measuring 50x90 cm. When preparing a hole for planting an apple tree on a site, try not to mix different layers of soil being dug: the top, throw more fertile soil in one direction, deeper layers in the other. The bottom of the dug hole needs to be loosened and a drainage layer laid out - for example, from broken bricks. This way, the soil will not be washed out of the apple tree hole, preserving nutrients and useful minerals.

Step-by-step planting instructions

Do you want to know how to properly plant an apple tree on your property at home, following the optimal planting pattern? We will try to provide a detailed guide to the main steps:

  1. The bottom of the planting hole, previously dug and prepared, is sprinkled with a small layer of fertile soil - it will provide the necessary nutrients for the apple tree.
  2. The rest of the fertile soil is mixed with mineral fertilizers (potassium sulfate and superphosphate) and the hole is completely filled with the resulting mixture so that a small mound is formed.
  3. We install a support peg for the seedling in the very center of the resulting small hill, place the tree itself, carefully straightening the roots.
  4. Now it's time to cover the roots with soil, pressing it lightly. Here it is important to ensure that the root collar protrudes several centimeters above the soil surface.
  5. That's all, the tree is planted, all that remains is to strengthen it, fixing it near the support, and water it thoroughly.

The apple tree is a fairly unpretentious tree; its planting and subsequent care do not require much effort from the gardener. Therefore, even a beginner can easily cope with the task if he remembers some of the features of planting garden apple trees with a closed root system:

  • In order for the planted trees to grow evenly, they need to be securely fixed. To do this, you should install three support pegs near the place where the apple tree is planted, tie the apple tree to them and leave it for the whole summer or even longer;
  • It’s not enough to know how to plant young apple trees correctly; you also need to properly care for them. So, you should not fertilize trees with fresh compost (or manure) - this increases the risk of developing diseases;
  • before planting a tree, feed the root system with a weak solution of mullein and clay - this “cocktail” will prevent the roots from drying out;
  • You should not plant fruit trees mixed;
  • When choosing a place for planting, take into account the characteristics of the selected apple tree: you may need additional space to raise excessively spreading branches onto the trellis.

And one more thing: sometimes novice gardeners, trying to rejuvenate an orchard, practice replacing old trees with new seedlings. At the same time, experienced gardeners do not practice this. So is it possible to plant an apple tree in place of the old one?

The answer is clear: you shouldn’t do this. It is necessary to follow the rules of crop rotation, and not plant stone fruits after stone fruits (or pome fruits after pome fruits). And then, over the years of its life, the old tree not only depleted the soil, but also supplied it with inhibitors that will not benefit the young plant.

Video “Planting an Apple Tree”

From this video you will learn how to plant an apple tree correctly.

In spring, gardeners have a desire to somehow update their garden or expand it. An excellent solution would be to plant new apple trees.

If the moment is chosen well, the seedlings take root well, and the day is not far off when the young apple tree will bear its first apple.

If you plant apple tree seedlings in the spring, the plants will have enough time before winter to get stronger. Well-rooted trees cope with winter frosts much easier.

Planting apple tree seedlings in the spring should not be delayed for long. It is advisable to have time to do this before the buds begin to open. A sudden onset of heat has a bad effect on seedlings, which begin to lose their quality. This is especially significant for areas with a high probability of drought.

On a note! In central Russia, seedlings are planted starting in the second half of April. In the north, this event should be postponed until May.

The preparedness of the soil is determined using a shovel. If the soil can be dug without stress, then the time has come to plant seedlings. When the ground completely thaws and the juices inside the trees begin to move, it will be too late. In this case, the tree will not have enough water for normal development. This will lead to the appearance of diseases. Under the influence of the sun's rays, which are already quite hot in May, the young leaves will dry out.

Apple tree planting material takes root much better in wet soil. If you hesitate with planting, you will need to increase watering of the young tree. The future fate of the tree and its productivity depend on how correct the moment was chosen for planting the seedling.

Choosing an apple variety

The correct choice of planting material depends on the variety of this fruit crop. When selecting an apple tree variety for a specific climate zone, you need to rely on the degree of survival and productivity in this zone. According to the ripening period, apple tree varieties are divided into the following groups.

  1. Summer, giving a harvest in late summer. Apples collected from trees of summer fruiting varieties can be stored for up to 14 days. The most famous varieties are Medunitsa and Belyi naliv.
  2. Autumn, which bear fruit in early autumn. Apples retain their consumer qualities for 30 days. The most popular varieties are Melba and Korean.
  3. Winter, the fruits of which can begin to be collected in late September. The harvest lasts for almost six months. Winter varieties include Welsey and Antonovka.

  • vigorous, stretching to a height of up to 8 m. The roots go very deep. They will take root well in areas with a groundwater depth of 3 m. The most popular varieties include Antonovka vulgaris and Arkadik.
  • semi-dwarf, reaching a height of 5 m. Such trees can be grown in areas where groundwater passes fairly close to the surface (1.5 m). These are varieties such as Candy and Melba.

Selection of seedlings

If a suitable variety has been selected, then the next task facing the gardener is to purchase quality seedlings. In this case, several nuances need to be taken into account.

  1. Place of purchase. It is recommended to purchase planting material from special nurseries or stores. If seedlings purchased secondhand were not provided with proper storage conditions, then the trees may not take root in the new location. In addition, it often turns out that the seedling does not belong to the variety of apple tree that you wanted to purchase.
  2. Selection of seedlings. A tree aged two or three years should ideally have several branches and well-branched roots. The bark should not be damaged. The normal plant height is 1.5 m.

Preparing for landing

A plant at the age of 1 year should not have branches. Proper preparation involves the formation of the crown. To do this, you need to perform the following steps.

  1. Cut off the top of the plant with a sharpened knife. It is necessary to skip a few buds so that the plant can form lateral branches.
  2. Remove those buds that point upward, otherwise branches will grow from them that compete with the trunk. It is necessary to preserve about 6 buds, distributed evenly along the trunk and directed perpendicular to it. Crown branches will be formed from them in the future.
  3. When purchasing, you should find out the height of the future apple tree in advance. This will help determine a suitable place on the site for planting, as well as suggest where the shadow of the tree will fall.

Soil preparation

The hole for planting the apple tree is prepared in advance. In spring, you can dig a hole for an apple tree seedling about a week before planting.

The hole must be of a certain size depending on the type of apple tree.

  1. Large trees, reaching a height of more than 2 m, need to make a hole with a diameter of about 1 m and a depth of about 70 cm.
  2. The roots of trees of medium height (from 1.2 m) will feel good in holes 100x60 cm.
  3. Saplings of low-growing apple trees (up to 1.2 m) need a hole measuring 90x50 cm.

When digging a hole, the layers of soil do not need to be mixed. The upper one, which is more fertile, must be thrown in one direction, and the lower one in the other.

Important! Before planting the seedling, clay soil should be diluted with sand in a 2:1 ratio. Sandy soil can be diluted with a mixture of peat and humus in a ratio of 2:1:1.

The bottom of the pit must be loosened and sprinkled with fragments of tiles or bricks. You can use the shells left over from walnuts. This will create good drainage, protecting against excess water and preventing the leaching of valuable minerals from the soil.

Step-by-step planting instructions

It is necessary to prepare the hole in advance and trim the planting material properly.

Table. Planting an apple tree in spring.

Steps, photoDescription of actions

The hole is sprinkled with a layer of fertile soil about 20 cm.

Minerals are mixed with the remaining fertile soil at the rate of 3 tablespoons of potassium sulfate per glass of superphosphate.

The hole is completely filled with a mixture of soil and fertilizer, forming a small mound on top.

A wooden support is inserted into the center of the slide. A tree is placed near it, distributing the roots evenly around.

Then the roots are covered with soil and pressed down. In this case, you need to ensure that the place where the trunk ends and the roots begin is raised several centimeters above ground level.

In order to slightly reduce the adverse effects of the sun on the delicate bark of the tree, the plant should be planted north of the support.

How to avoid mistakes when planting an apple tree

Even gardening beginners can get good results growing an apple tree if they avoid the following common mistakes.

  1. Without fixation, the tree will lean in one direction or another. A support of 3 pegs connected to each other will help to reliably protect it from tilting. Their height should be 2/3 of the height of the plant.
  2. It is highly undesirable to fertilize seedlings with compost or fresh manure. Such feeding will harm the roots and create conditions for the formation of black cancer.
  3. To prevent the roots of the apple tree from drying out, they need to be fed with a mixture of fresh mullein and clay. This can be done before planting the seedling.
  4. It is not recommended to intersperse plantings of apple trees with other fruit trees. It is advisable to use a prepared tree planting plan.
  5. When planting seedlings, you should take into account the places where communications are laid on the site. You must maintain a distance of 3 m from them.
  6. Apple trees grow best on southeast and southwest sides of plots.
  7. When plants do not have enough space, their immunity decreases. Weakened apple trees are susceptible to disease and are actively harassed by pests.

How to care for seedlings

In order for the planted tree to take root better, it should be watered. This is done regardless of how moist the soil is. The point of such watering is not so much to increase the moisture content of the soil, but to ensure better adhesion of the roots to the soil particles.

The hole in which the seedling is planted needs to be mulched after the soil has been completely saturated with moisture. To do this, use humus, rotted straw or compost. If none of the above is found, then it is permissible to use simple soil. Planting a seedling must be completed by tying it to a support.

On a note! To protect young trees from pests, you need to treat the trunks with lime. This event takes place in the spring after disembarkation. At the same time, the bases of the branches are also covered with whitewash.

Other plants can be planted under apple trees. It is best to sod around the trunk. Thanks to this step, water and oxygen will penetrate better into the ground. It is permissible to form a beautiful lawn that will improve the appearance of the site. Many ornamental plants grow well around the apple tree. It might make a nice flower garden.

If, when planting apple tree seedlings, you take into account all the necessary nuances, such as choosing a variety, seedling, suitable location, maintaining the required distance between trees, then in a few years the plant will begin to produce a harvest. Until this time, it is necessary to support the apple tree so that its proper formation does not stop. It is necessary to fertilize and water the tree in a timely manner, help the development of its crown, and also protect it from diseases and harmful insects. If you miss any of these points, then all previous work on planting and care will be lost. Vigilant care of the apple orchard will ensure a good harvest for many years.

Video - How to plant an apple tree in spring