why isn't the apple tree blooming or bearing?

I thought there was a fruit tree forum, but I don't see it, so I'm posting here. Please don't hesitate to redirect me if appropriate!
I have a friend who bought a MacIntosh apple tree 10 years ago from a reputable local nursery. It has never flowered and never set fruit. Anyone have any ideas why? She has wild apples on her property, and they do fine. Her flowering crabapples do fine, too.

The fruit and nuts forum is here http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/fruit/all/. A 10 year old MacIntosh should have bloomed by now. Sometimes it take 5 -6 years for for a full size tree to bear fruit, 10 years would indicate the tree has problems. Question; does the tree appear healty and making normal growth? Any indication of disease? If not try try fertilizing the tree. Quickest way is use the Jobs fruit tree spikes, which are simply driven into the ground a round the tree. If it is not healthy, make sure that it has full sun. Apple trees don't like shade. If it is in a grassy meadow, make sure you don't voles or field mice nibbling at the roots. They can destroy an apple tree. MacIntosh is a northern apple that should do well in New England.

I understand your plight. We have 2 nectarine trees that we put in a year ago and they still haven't greened up and everything else is blooming, EVERYTHING. I told my husband they must be dead but he pinched a twig back and it was green? Really confused! When we bought them they had beautiful tiny pink flowers all over it. How long does it take for these to have buds bloom???

Thanks for your suggestions Farmerdill. It's certainly a place for her to start. I always enjoy your knowledgeable post.

I have read that apple trees often take years to reach maturity and start bearing fruit, depending on the variety. I have a 5 year old apple tree that has not begun to bloom or bear fruit either. I have another apple tree - one of the small columnar varieties that bears each year. I have only had the columnar apple for 3 years. It started blooming 1st year. It is planted BESIDE the non bearing apple tree! Maybe your friend's tree just needs more time.

Also note that most apple trees require a pollinator as they are not self-fertile. This is not the current problem, since you indicate that it does not bloom. However, when it does bloom it will need another apple (or crabapple) blooming at the same time somewhere nearby. Since you mentioned that she has wild apples and crabapples, this probably won't be a problem, unless they bloom at different times.

I planted a 'MacFree' apple (close relative of the MacIntosh) about 18 years ago.
It took about 3 years to start producing after planting a bare root, 3 foot tall, semi-dwarf sapling.
I have a Seckel Pear semi-dwarf container grown that I planted 4 or 5 years ago that fruited the first year and not since. I noticed yesterday that it is loaded with flower buds. It had not bloomed in the past 2 years.
I think 10 years is too long to wait, get another tree.
Andy P

I agree with Andy.