I sometimes consult with people who want to learn more about growing apple trees organically. Recently, I consulted with clients who are developing a diverse garden area on their property which will include apple trees on dwarfing rootstock. I suggested they plant their trees during the dormant season. So, I thought I would share with you my method for planting dormant apple trees in Winter. (The photo is of Marie, one of my farm volunteers)
1. I order two-year-old, bare-root apple trees from nurseries in my bioregion. These trees are already acclimated to my climate zone when they come from the nursery.
2. I soak the tree roots in a bucket for several hours before I plant. The water soak stimulates the tree’s hormones and kick-starts the trees metabolism. This encourages early root growth.
3. I dig a hole just large enough to spread out the roots. I don’t add any soil amendments in the planting hole. I want the roots to seek nutrients beyond the planting hole as soon as possible. If the hole is filled with compost or fertilizer, then the roots have no reason to seek food in the surrounding soil. The graft union is kept at least two or three inches above the soil surface. I stake the tree before I fill the hole with soil, so I don’t accidentally damage a root. I tie the tree trunk loosely to the stake. I want the tree to sway a bit in the wind to encourage anchor roots.
4. I place weedblock around the trunk of the tree and cover it with pea gravel to discourage burrowing animals. Then I put a ring of hardware cloth loosely around the trunk of the young tree to keep rabbits or groundhogs from chewing the bark.
5. I then spread compost, topped with wood mulch, on the soil surface around the tree. I keep an area of about 8 – 12 inches completely clear of mulch or compost from the base of the tree. I pour a five-gallon bucket of water on the pea gravel. This will settle the soil against the roots in the planting hole.
6. Finally, I secure a ring of 6-foot wire fencing attached to t-posts around the tree to protect it from deer.
7. I finish up by wishing the young tree good luck, and toast myself with a glass of apple cider!