The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. Can you 'see' how that sapling you are considering will fit in 10 + years from now?
This is a semi dwarf MacFree apple having a good season. It was planted in the open 25 years ago, total sunshine. Now the nearby trees are shading it out. Causing ventilation and shape issues.
Think ahead when planting fruit trees.
Andy P
Very good point.
Also, lots of research.
Many fruit trees are very specific about how much winter chill they need, and how much heat to properly set then ripen the fruit.
Make sure you select varieties that are well suited to your area.
Buying local helps with what will grow locally. "Mail order" requires extra research because of the extra options. Catalogs ruled the day then and now through the net. Know your USDA Agricultural zone first, Then consider the planting site today & decades in the future. The future part got me. It's been a struggle keeping that corner open enough.
However, this MacFree has a bumper crop of spicy delicious crisp apples this year. Easily over a hundred pounds.
Fruit trees are a pain with all the spraying and pruning and whatever but when it works it's a sweet success.
Andy P
BTW Autumn is an ideal time to plant trees.
Sarahskeeper, so glad things are looking better for your fruit tree and at last you see the fruits of all your labour, if you pardon the pun.
Dito as with the points also made by Diana, But I do think the growers and Plants people are becoming a lot better at giving out helpful tips and hint's via the labels attached to the plants at time of purchase. The problems appear to occur when the customer takes home a plant because it's reduced or neglected and we all do it, we think it will grow for us, before we know it instead of a lovely little fruit tree or some other plant, they turn into a pot of trouble.
Others never ever consider the soil, light. temp, rainfall or even eventual hight / spread, but you know what, I feel sure all the Points you, Diana or myself try to give as guidance, help, or others who just know their stuff give freely in advice, there will always be tree's / plants like yours who want to stand out from the crowd and hope they are impressing their owners, just enjoy, all your hard work has paid off and those Apples by description alone made my mouth water.
Best Regards, WeeNel.
Very true, but in the end JUST DO IT! Would rather have a misshapen tree than no tree at all =)
