#5 Crabapple

Description

#5 CRABAPPLE

#5 Crabapple is a proven wildlife tree that produces heavy annual crops of quarter-sized fruit. The crabapples begin dropping in October and continue through December, providing deer with a dependable food source throughout the hunting season. On our Pennsylvania property, deer consistently wear trails to this tree during late November, December, and even January.

This vigorous tree grows quickly, reaches more than 20 feet at maturity, and performs well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5–8. It also offers excellent resistance to cedar apple rust, fire blight, and powdery mildew, making it a dependable choice for wildlife plantings.

Why Hunters Choose #5 Crabapple

• Heavy annual fruit production
• Fruit drops from October through December
• Attracts deer throughout late fall and winter
• Fast-growing and long-lived
• Excellent disease resistance
• Hardy in Zones 5–8

Origin of #5 Crabapple

#5 Crabapple originated in southwestern Pennsylvania from a chance seedling discovered by whitetail enthusiast Richard Grimes. It grew among the remains of an old apple orchard and quickly proved itself as an outstanding wildlife tree. Today, every grafted tree is propagated directly from the original tree, preserving the same growth habit, fruit production, and disease resistance.

Southern Performance

#5 Crabapple has also performed exceptionally well in the Deep South. Hunters in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, southern Arkansas, and Oklahoma can expect dependable fruit production, with most fruit dropping during November and December.

Tree Size

2-Year Tree (4–6 Feet)

• Extensive root system
• Multiple branches on many trees
• 5/8″–3/4″ trunk diameter
• Pruned to approximately 66″ for shipping
• Up to 15 trees per shipping box
• Free local pickup available in Pennsylvania

2-Year Select Tree (4–6 Feet)

• Largest trees available
• Feathered branching
• Largest trunk diameters
• Pruned to approximately 66″ for shipping
• Up to 14 select trees per shipping box
• Free local pickup available

Rootstock

We graft every #5 Crabapple onto a vigorous, cold-hardy standard rootstock that develops into a full-size tree between 20 and 30 feet tall. Deep roots provide excellent drought tolerance, strong anchorage, and the ability to reach nutrients deep in the soil. A full-size rootstock also supports larger crops and extends the productive life of the tree.

Pollination

For reliable fruit production, plant at least one different apple or crabapple variety nearby.

Recommended pollinators include:

• Grams Gift Crabapple
• Other apple varieties
• Other crabapple varieties

Because trees with the same name are genetically identical, they usually will not pollinate each other. #5 Crabapple blooms in mid-season, making it an excellent pollinator for both early- and late-blooming varieties.

Planting Tips

• Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
• Use well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8–7.0
• Space trees 20 feet apart
• Protect trees with 5-foot cages
• Install a breathable weed mat
• Add stone around the mat for weed control
• Wrap the trunk with aluminum window screen to prevent rodent damage

Shipping & Pickup

Bare-root trees ship from early March through the last Monday in April while trees remain dormant. You can choose your preferred shipping date during checkout. Free local pickup is also available by appointment in Pennsylvania.

We are open 8-4 Monday through Friday for tree pick-up.

For More Information, Visit:

Learn More

Continue your research with these helpful resources:

• Crabapple Trees for Deer
• Tree Planting Guide
• Apple Pollination Guide
• Rootstock Information
• Shipping and Pickup Info