Crabapple Trees For Deer

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How to Plant and Care for Grafted Apple Trees for Deer

Proper planting is the key to establishing healthy, productive grafted apple trees for deer. By providing the right pollination, soil conditions, nutrients, and protection, you can help your trees establish quickly and produce dependable crops for decades. Fortunately, a little preparation before planting goes a long way toward creating a successful wildlife orchard.

Pollination Requirements

Apple trees, applecrab trees, and most crabapple trees require cross-pollination to produce a full crop of fruit. Therefore, plant at least two different cultivars within pollination distance of one another. Because pollinating insects transfer pollen between flowering trees, selecting compatible varieties is essential for consistent fruit production.

All of the white-flowering crabapple varieties we offer are excellent pollinators for apples and applecrabs. Popular pollinating varieties include Grams Gift, Golden Hornet, and Chestnut Crab, although any white-flowering crabapple in our collection will provide excellent pollination. By planting multiple compatible varieties, you’ll improve fruit set while extending the diversity of your wildlife orchard.

Soil Preparation

Healthy trees begin with healthy soil. Apple trees perform best in moist, well-drained soil with a soil pH between 5.8 and 7.0. Before planting, we strongly recommend completing a soil test to determine your soil’s nutrient levels and pH. As a result, you can correct deficiencies before planting and provide your trees with the best possible start.

Phosphorus and potassium are especially important during establishment because both nutrients move very slowly through the soil. Therefore, they should be incorporated into the planting area before or during planting so the developing root system can access them immediately.

Fertilizing Newly Planted Apple Trees

If you are unable to complete a soil test before planting, we recommend incorporating approximately 1 ounce of 0-20-20 fertilizer for every 3 square feet of planting area. Mix the fertilizer thoroughly into the surrounding soil rather than placing it directly against the roots.

Avoid fertilizers containing quick-release nitrogen at planting. The first number on a fertilizer label represents the percentage of nitrogen, and excessive nitrogen placed directly against young roots can severely damage or even kill newly planted trees. If nitrogen is included, use only slow-release products, such as Osmocote®, and always follow the manufacturer’s application recommendations.

Because nitrogen moves readily through the soil, it is generally better to apply modest amounts during the following growing season after the tree has become established. In contrast, phosphorus and potassium should be applied before planting because they remain relatively immobile in the soil. Whenever possible, use the results of a soil test to guide all fertilizer applications.

Sunlight, Spacing, and Tree Protection

Apple, applecrab, and crabapple trees require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day for healthy growth and dependable fruit production. However, full sun throughout the day will typically produce the strongest growth, the highest yields, and the best fruit quality.

Space standard trees approximately 20 feet apart to allow adequate room for future growth and proper air circulation. Good spacing also improves sunlight penetration and helps reduce disease pressure within the orchard.

Finally, protect every newly planted tree with a sturdy 5-foot or taller tree cage or tree protector. Young trees are extremely attractive to deer, and browsing or antler rubbing can quickly destroy years of growth. By protecting your trees during establishment, you’ll ensure deer are feeding on abundant fruit in the future instead of damaging the trees today.