AppleCrab Trees For Deer
Applecrabs are the hybrid between an apple and crabapple. This combination often makes a cross that is hardier and typically well suited for colder climates, and the fruit size is normally around 2 inches. When the best of both worlds come together you get a fruit that is larger than a crabapple yet produces as heavily as a crabapple. The taste can be every bit as good or even better than most modern apples sold in todays commercial world. These combinations with some good disease resistance makes for what most people would consider to be the best applecrabs to plant for wildlife and especially the Whitetail deer. Most would look at an applecrab and think, well thats an apple, and while they very well might be right to an extent, the trees ability to produce such an abundant crop of fruit is what sets it apart and well above planting a regular apple tree for deer.
These trees are unique cultivars. Trees that are specially selected for their characteristics and then propagated from new vegetative growth taken from the oringinal tree (essentially giving you a clone of the original tree). In this case we are selecting characteristics that produce traits that we find most beneficial for feeding and attracting the Whitetail deer.
We all want characteristics such as consistent and abundant fruit production, drop lengths and specific drop times. Durations that correspond with our habitat management needs, a fruit that is sweet and palatable and a tree that has enough built in disease and insect resistance that they regularly produce large crops of fruit without the chemical spraying which is required for most standard apple trees.
This is what Blue Hill Wildlife Nursery is striving to provide you, the best tree possible.

Price per tree
$23.00 - $29.00
Purchase Details
4-6′ (+ 1/2” dia.) These trees will have an extensive root system and typically having multiple branches. They will range in height between 4′ and 6′ with a diameter of 1/2” to 3/4”. Shipping height will be between 4′ and 6′ as 15 trees or less fills into a 5′ box. While 15 to 30 trees will fill into a 6′ box.
3-5′ (- 1/2” dia.) These trees will have a good root system with some possible branching. They will range in height between 3′ to 5′ with a diameter of 3/8” to 1/2”
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Plant at least 2 different apple or crabapple varieties within close proximity to each other for pollination. Grams Gift crabapple makes an excellent pollinator for both standard size apples and crabapples. Plant all apples and crabapples in moist, well drained soil with a soil pH between 5.8 – 7 with adequate nutrient levels for optimal growth.
If you have not completed a soil test and improved your soil. I would recommend mixing 1/2 to 1 ounce of 0-20-20 granular fertilizer in your soil at the time of planting. The first number tells you percentage of nitrogen contained in the fertilizer. Nitrogen applied directly to the roots of the tree will cause death to your tree, make sure the first number is zero. Nitrogen is very mobile in the soil. You can apply a small amount of Nitrogen the following year as needed. The 2nd and 3rd numbers are Phosphorus and Potassium. Apply these two nutrients at or well before the time of planting, because they are basically immobile in the soil, they will need mixed in through the soil. We recommend completing a soil test and making amendments for best results.
A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight is necessary for growth and fruit production. Space trees 20′ apart and use cages of at least 5’ to protect your trees. This will ensure your deer eat your fruit in a few years and not your trees this year.