Description

Big Dog Crab

The Big Dog Crabapple is one of the best wildlife crabapple trees for hunters in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–7. Originally selected by Minnesota whitetail enthusiast Art Reuck, this exceptional tree produces abundant 2-inch crabapples similar in size to Chestnut crabapples. Fruit begins dropping in mid-October and continues into mid-January, providing deer with a dependable food source throughout the hunting season.

Big Dog is a heavy annual producer with excellent disease resistance. In no-spray orchards, it has shown strong resistance to apple scab, cedar apple rust, powdery mildew, and fire blight. It is also extremely cold hardy, surviving temperatures as low as -41°F, making it an outstanding choice for northern climates.

Why Choose Big Dog Crabapple?

• Large 2-inch crabapples
• Fruit drops from mid-October through mid-January
• Excellent late-season deer attraction
• Heavy annual fruit production
• Outstanding disease resistance
• Extremely cold hardy to USDA Zone 3
• Hardy in USDA Zones 3–7

Tree Description

Every Big Dog Crabapple is grafted from the original tree. As a result, each tree produces the same fruit size, growth habit, and dependable wildlife performance as the parent tree.

Tree Sizes

2-Year Tree (4–6 Feet)

• 5/8″–3/4″ trunk diameter
• Extensive root system
• May have multiple branches
• Pruned to approximately 66 inches for shipping
• Up to 15 trees per shipping box
• Free local pickup available in Pennsylvania and surrounding states

2-Year Select Tree (4–6 Feet)

• Largest trees available
• Feathered branching
• Larger trunk diameter, approaching 3/4″
• Pruned to approximately 66 inches for shipping
• Up to 14 select trees per shipping box
• Free local pickup available

Rootstock Benefits

Big Dog Crabapple is grafted onto a vigorous, cold-hardy standard rootstock that grows into a full-size tree between 20 and 30 feet tall. Consequently, the tree produces larger crops and remains productive for decades.

Deep roots anchor the tree securely and improve drought tolerance. In addition, they reach nutrients deep in the soil, making this rootstock an excellent choice for wildlife orchards and habitat plantings.

Pollination

Plant at least one different apple or crabapple variety nearby to ensure proper pollination.

Recommended pollinators:

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

Because Big Dog blooms during the mid-season, it pollinates well with both early- and late-blooming apple varieties.

Planting Instructions

For the best results:

• Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
• Choose moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8–7.0.
• Perform a soil test before planting.
• Space trees approximately 20 feet apart.
• Protect trees with cages at least 5 feet tall.
• Wrap the trunk with aluminum window screen to prevent rodent damage.
• Install a breathable weed mat around each tree.

Shipping & Pickup

Bare-root trees ship from early March through the last Monday in April while dormant. Select your preferred shipping date during checkout.

Free local pickup is available in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. If you cannot make your scheduled pickup date, simply contact us to arrange another appointment.

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

 

For More Information Visit:

Crabapple Trees For Deer

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