When should I plant apple trees? For bare root trees, the short answer is early spring. The longer answer is that it depends on where you live, the weather, and whether the tree is bare root or in a pot.
Fall is one of the best times of the year to plant apple trees The moderate temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for new trees to develop strong root systems before going dormant for the winter By planting in fall, your apple trees get a head start that pays dividends in faster establishment and better growth in future years.
In this comprehensive guide we will cover everything you need to know about fall apple tree planting including timing, preparation, choosing varieties, the planting process, watering and care. Let’s get started!
Why Fall is an Excellent Time to Plant Apple Trees
Fall provides a perfect balance of warm soil and cool air that is ideal for developing new roots. Here are some of the key advantages of planting apple trees in fall:
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Moderate Temperatures – Daytime highs in the 60s and 70s F and cooler nights prevent plant stress. Trees planted in summer often struggle with heat and drought
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Increased Rainfall – More precipitation and higher humidity in fall is beneficial for new transplants. Less watering required.
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Cooler Sun Intensity – Less intense sunlight helps prevent moisture loss and sun scalding of leaves.
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Longer Root Growth Period – Roots continue growing until the ground freezes, giving fall-planted trees a big head start.
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Reduced Transplant Shock – Cooler weather prevents excessive moisture loss that can stress new transplants.
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No Leaves to Support – Since trees are going dormant, they don’t have to work to support leaf growth. All energy goes to root establishment.
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No Fruit Production Pressure – Unlike spring, trees don’t have to allocate energy to growing fruit, flowers and leaves all at once.
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Avoidance of Frost Damage – Planting in fall prevents risk of losing flowers/fruit to late spring frosts after planting.
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Better Establishment Before Summer – Trees experience less drought and heat stress their first summer if planted in fall.
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Convenience for Gardeners – Fall is less busy than spring for most gardeners. Planting projects are easier to schedule.
When is the Optimal Time to Plant Apple Trees in Fall?
The prime window for fall planting is usually 4-8 weeks before your average first frost date. This provides an ideal balance of warm soil, cooler air and proper timing for root establishment before dormancy.
Some tips on timing:
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Start planting 6-8 weeks before first frost for container trees or smaller bare root trees.
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Wait until 4-6 weeks before frost for larger bare root or balled and burlapped specimens.
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Stop planting once soil temperatures are consistently below 45°F to avoid freeze damage to new roots.
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In warm regions, plant while daytime highs are still in the 60s-70sF and night lows are above freezing.
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For zones 3-6, aim to finish by late October. Warm zones 7-9 have more flexibility into November.
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Containerized dwarf trees can be planted slightly later since their roots are insulated.
Pay attention to long-range weather forecasts when deciding on exact planting dates. A prolonged cold snap or early winter storm means you should stop planting earlier.
Selecting the Right Apple Tree Varieties
Choosing adapted varieties that match your climate is very important for success with apple trees. Here are some tips:
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Select chill hour varieties to match your climate. Low chill for warm zones, high chill for colder areas.
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Choose disease resistant and cold hardy types if those issues are problematic in your region. Look for scab resistant apples.
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Consider bloom time. Very early bloomers may get caught by late frosts in some areas.
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Pollination partners are essential. Apples must be cross-pollinated by a different variety with overlapping bloom time.
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For the home orchard, include some storage/baking and fresh eating types to extend harvest from late summer through winter.
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Dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks usually recommended for backyard planting. Standard trees get very large.
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If space is very limited, look at columnar apple varieties that bear full sized fruit on compact upright trees.
Reputable local nurseries will have recommendations tailored to your specific location. Discuss site conditions and preferences with them before purchasing trees.
Preparing the Planting Site in Advance
Getting the planting site ready before you bring home new apple trees will make the installation process much smoother. Here are some tips:
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Select a sunny, well-drained spot. Apple trees need a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sun daily.
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Remove all weeds and turfgrass from the future root zone area.
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For improved drainage, till in some compost to a depth of 8-12 inches.
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Take a soil test if the site has not been used to grow fruit trees before. Apply any recommended amendments.
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For clay soils, mound up planting rows 10-12 inches above grade to improve drainage.
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Based on mature tree size, space standard trees 20-25 feet apart, semidwarfs 15-18 feet and dwarfs 8-10 feet.
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If planting multiple varieties for pollination, orient rows to account for bloom time and pollen drift.
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Install trellising, irrigation and pruning supports if needed. Get these in prior to the trees.
Taking time to get the orchard area fully prepped will let you focus on just planting once your new trees arrive.
Purchasing Healthy Apple Trees from Reputable Nurseries
Buying from quality local nurseries is highly recommended over big box stores when it comes to fruit trees. Look for:
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Trees grown in your region to match climate conditions.
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Certified disease-free nursery stock. This matters a lot for apples.
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Good graft unions at the proper height on the rootstock. No suckers.
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Young whips 1-2 years old rather than large older trees for best transplant success.
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Indications of proper nursery care like well-developed roots and good caliper trunks.
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Bare root, containerized or balled and burlapped options based on your timing preferences.
Inspect trees thoroughly when picking up and reject any with damage, disease, grafting issues or root problems.
How to Plant Apple Trees in Fall
Once you have prepared the site and purchased recommended varieties from a reputable source, you are ready to get your new apple trees in the ground. Here is the fall planting process:
1. Dig Planting Holes
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Holes should be wide and shallow, at least 2-3 times the width of the root ball.
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Depth equals the root ball height. The top should sit slightly above ground level.
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Roughen sides and loosen compacted soil in bottom to promote root growth.
2. Place Tree and Backfill
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Carefully place tree centered in hole. Spread and straighten roots if possible.
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Partially backfill with native soil, tamping periodically to eliminate large air pockets.
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Do not bury the root flare. Root crown should be visible at soil level when finished.
3. Water Thoroughly
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Water deeply until soil is fully saturated and no more water absorbs. This will settle soil around roots.
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Earthen basins or berms may help contain water until it soaks in fully.
4. Finish With Organic Mulch
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Spread 2-4 inches of organic mulch over root zone area. Pull back any touching the trunk.
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Mulch conserves moisture, insulates roots and suppresses weeds. Replenish annually.
5. Support and Protect Trunk
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Stake the tree for support if needed in windy areas. Allow some flexing movement.
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Protect the trunk from rodents over winter with plastic guards or wire mesh. Mice and voles can damage bark.
With proper planting and aftercare, your new apple trees will flourish and start producing bountiful harvests in just a few years!
Post-Planting Care and Watering Tips
Caring for your new apple trees in the first year after planting is crucial. Follow these tips for the best results:
Watering
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Water thoroughly every 7-10 days if rain is lacking. Target 5-10 gallons per tree depending on age.
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More frequent watering needed during hot or windy periods. Check soil moisture before watering.
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Deep watering encourages deeper rooting. Shallow watering results in shallow roots.
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Water until the soil is fully saturated. Proper hydration is key in fall.
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Adjust frequency based on soil type. Sandy soils require more frequent watering than heavy clay soils.
Extreme Weather Preparation
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Be prepared to protect trees from early winter freezes or frost. Cover or drape plants if harsh weather threatens.
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Newly planted trees are vulnerable to wind damage. Provide support or temporary windscreens if needed.
Ongoing Care
- Weed control and applying organic mulch are important in establishing new trees. Compete
When to Plant Apple Trees
For bare root trees in zones 7 and below, the best time to plant them is when the ground thaws and the tree goes to sleep. This means early spring. If you plant in the fall, the trees might not make it through a harsh winter because their roots haven’t had time to grow. In the summer the low moisture and high heat may cause stress and damage. Therefore you can plant once the ground thaws and there is no rain or snow. Depending on your region, this can be anytime between February to May. When you plant an apple tree in a pot instead of bare root, you have more options because you can use the soil that the roots have already grown in. But be careful in the winter, even if you have a container, because the ground shouldn’t be frozen and shouldn’t be too wet.
If you live in a zone 8 or higher where winters are mild, you can plant bare root trees in the winter or fall. This is because the trees are dormant and won’t be stressed by the cold weather. Additionally, it is easier to plant containerised trees in the winter for these zones.
When to Plant Bare Root Apple Trees
If you want to plant bare root apple trees, the best time is in the early spring, between February and early May. This gives the roots time to grow and the plant time to survive a harsh winter. Even though you can plant them in the fall, it is riskier because the roots won’t have had time to grow. You shouldn’t do it in early or middle winter because the high moisture can freeze and hurt the roots. There are some places, though, where winters are mild, like hardiness zones 8 and up. In these places, you can plant in the winter when the ground is no longer frozen and it doesn’t snow or rain.
Don’t Wait For Spring! These 12 Fruit Trees Should Be Planted In Fall NOW!
FAQ
How late can you plant an apple tree?
Is it better to plant apple trees in spring or fall?
Can I plant an apple tree in September?
Can apple trees be planted in fall?
In USDA Hardiness zones 5-10, fall is a great time to plant apple trees. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right apple trees to plant this fall: When planting apples in fall, it is a good idea to choose cold-hardy varieties. Last fall, I added Cortland Apple Trees to my young fruit orchard.
When is the best time to plant apple trees?
In fact, it’s actually the perfect time to plant a wide variety of all kinds of delicious fruit trees! Even though most annuals, perennials, bushes and trees are on their way out or heading into dormancy in early fall, there are a lot of advantages for putting in apple trees as the cooler weather arrives.
When should you plant apple trees in New England?
The University of Maine asserts that New England is too cold to plant apple trees in the fall. They recommend planting in early spring when the ground thaws. Michigan State University also encourages spring planting due to Michigan’s severely cold temperatures.
Can you plant apple trees in a cold climate?
Check out the plant hardiness map to determine which zone applies to you. It’s possible to plant apple trees in the colder climates of zones 5 and 6 during the fall, but some growers warn against the winter injury of young trees. However, this risk can be mitigated.
Can apple trees be planted all year round?
‘Planting of containerized apple trees can take place all year round but is inadvisable when the soil is too wet or frozen,’ explains Jon Munday of Blackmoor Nurseries. Whether they are going in the ground or a pot, good preparation is important.
Why do apple trees grow in the fall?
Fall planting supports root development because the roots get a head start adapting to their new environment before the growing season. As trees prepare for winter, branches go dormant before the roots. Even though your apple tree looks like a stick in the ground, important growth is happening beneath the surface in the moist (not frozen) soil.