Before planting an apple tree in the fall for a bountiful harvest next year, carefully consider your garden and how much shade the tree will provide when it reaches full growth.
Some apple trees grow faster than others. Think about what wildlife the tree will attract and whether you will need to protect it from hungry pests seeking a fruity snack.
Apples are popular and come in many varieties suited for different climates. They require full sunlight and well-drained soil.
How to Plant an Apple Tree in the Fall:
First, you'll need to gather all the planting materials for the apple tree, including tools, a hose or watering can, necessary amendments, and of course, your new fruit tree.
Choose a good sunny spot for planting the apple tree that receives about 8 hours of full sunlight each day, along with well-drained soil.
For soils that are hard and heavy with clay, consider creating a mound slightly above the level of the native soil using compost and mulch to create a lighter environment for your new tree's roots to establish.
Next, you will need to dig a hole for the apple tree that is about twice the size of the root ball. Once the hole is ready, you should plant the tree so that the top of the root ball is level with the native soil line or, if you have created a mound, level with the top of the mound.
An additional step here is to fill the hole with water before planting and wait an hour or more for the water to soak in. This extra step is more important for heavier soils and in climates with little rainfall.
Extra water will help moisten the deeper soil for planting the apple tree in the fall and give it a fresh start, so to speak.
Now that your apple tree is planted, form a small basin of surrounding soil around it. This should be done so that water does not pool at the base of the apple tree once you have shaped it.
Source: fourwindsgrowers.