How To Grow Apple Trees In New England

Things Needed

  • Bare-root apple tree
  • Tape Measure
  • Chalk
  • Shovel
  • Peat moss
  • Nitrogen fertilizer

New England is includes Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. The New England region is comprised of USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. With its cold winter and mild summers, New England is one of the most popular areas for planting and growing apple trees in the United States.

Step 1

Measure 20 feet from any power lines, roads or buildings to find a planting space that's an adequate distance from these structures. Mark this minimum distance with chalk. Survey your boundaries and choose a planting site that receives full sunlight.

Step 2

Dig a circular hole 1 foot wider than the root stalk's root ball. Dig the hole deep enough for the graft site to be positioned 2 to 3 inches above the soil line.

  • New England is includes Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
  • Dig the hole deep enough for the graft site to be positioned 2 to 3 inches above the soil line.

Step 3

Remove the bare root's packaging and gently place the roots into the hole.

Step 4

Fill in the hole with layers of peat moss and dirt.

Step 5

Water the apple tree daily during the first two weeks to ensure the roots become established. After that, taper off watering to 5 gallons each week. Watering is not necessary if your New England location receives at least 1 inch of rain per week.

Step 6

Apply a nitrogen fertilizer in a 12-inch circle at the base of the tree two weeks after planting. Water the fertilizer in well for optimum absorption. Do not fertilize after mid-June, as it promotes late season growth and prevents the tree from hardening off for the New England winter.

  • Remove the bare root's packaging and gently place the roots into the hole.
  • Apply a nitrogen fertilizer in a 12-inch circle at the base of the tree two weeks after planting.

Tip

The ideal time for purchasing and planting bare-root apple trees is in April, as the ground has thawed and drained from the winter's snow.

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