Apple trees are hands-down one of the most popular choices for American home orchards. They’re budget-friendly, and if you give them a little TLC and regular pruning, they’ll reward you with a massive harvest. Just a quick heads-up before you start: most apple trees aren’t “self-fertile,” meaning they usually need a different variety nearby to act as a pollination partner.
When is the best time to plant an apple tree?
The sweet spot for planting fruit trees is typically in the fall, from mid-October through November. The big perk of fall planting is that it gives the tree a head start on growing new roots before the winter chill sets in. This gives them a huge leg up over trees planted in the spring. Just make sure you pick a day when the ground isn’t frozen!
Keep in mind that more sensitive fruit trees—like peaches or apricots—actually prefer being planted in the spring. If you can, try to plant on a damp day. If it’s warm and sunny, wait until the evening to get your tree in the ground so those delicate roots don’t dry out.
Pre-planting prep
- Dig your hole a few weeks in advance if you can. You’ll want it to be about twice as wide as the root ball.
- Drive a support stake into the ground.
- Mix your excavated soil with some good compost. Well-rotted manure is also a great addition here.
- If you have gophers or voles in your yard, consider a root guard. Use a fine-mesh wire basket, but make sure it’s non-galvanized so it can eventually break down naturally.
- Fill the hole back up loosely with your amended soil.
How to plant your apple tree
Place your tree in the hole, making sure the “graft union” (that bump on the lower trunk) sits at least a hand’s width above the soil line. As the loose soil settles, the tree will sink a bit. While you’re backfilling the hole, give the tree a gentle shake and move it up and down slightly; this helps the fine soil settle into all those little gaps between the roots.
Pro tip: Use the buddy system!
Planting is much easier with two people. Once the hole is filled, give it a good “watering in” to settle the dirt. Lightly tamp the soil down with your feet, add a bit more soil if needed, and give it one last drink of water.
What about container-grown trees?
If you bought a tree in a plastic container, you’re in luck—you can plant these pretty much any time of year. Just be sure to gently loosen the root ball and tease out the roots a bit before they go into the ground.