Full Grown Green Apple Trees: A Complete Guide

Green apples are one of the most popular apple varieties, known for their bright green color and tart crisp flavor. While green apples are readily available in grocery stores growing your own full grown green apple tree allows you to enjoy fruit that is tree-ripened and incredibly flavorful.

Overview of Full Grown Green Apple Trees

Full grown green apple trees typically reach 15-20 feet in height and width. The most common green apple variety is the Granny Smith, which produces medium-sized, bright green apples with a distinctly tart flavor. Granny Smiths are excellent for eating fresh as well as using in pies, sauces, baking, and more.

Other green apple varieties include Crispin Rhode Island Greening, Green Pippin and Pristine. Regardless of variety, full grown green apple trees require full sun exposure and well-drained soil. They perform best in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.

Green apple trees blossom in spring with white or light pink flowers. The fruit ripens in late summer to early fall. With proper care a full grown green apple tree can produce an abundant harvest for over 20 years.

Selecting and Planting a Green Apple Tree

When selecting a green apple tree for your landscape, consider the mature size to ensure you have adequate space. Dwarf trees reach 8-10 feet tall, while semi-dwarf varieties grow 12-15 feet. Standard-size green apple trees reach up to 20 feet tall or more.

Green apple trees are commonly available from nurseries as:

• Bare root – Field grown then dug up and roots exposed for transport. Ideal for planting in late winter/early spring.

• Containerized – Grown in a pot or container that goes directly in the ground. Provides flexibility for planting season.

• Balled and burlapped – Field grown with roots and soil balled and wrapped for transplanting. Larger trees are sold this way.

When planting, dig a hole that is slightly deeper and twice as wide as the root ball. Set the tree in place and backfill with native soil, watering thoroughly after planting. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.

Optimal Growing Conditions

For a healthy, productive green apple tree, provide these optimal growing conditions:

• Sun: Full sun exposure, at least 6 hours per day

• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-draining soil

• Water: Regular watering, 1-2 inches per week

• Temperature: Best suited for zones 5-8

• Pollination: Plant a second compatible apple variety for proper cross-pollination and fruit set

• Pruning: Annually in late winter to improve structure and productivity

• Fertilizer: Apply balanced organic fertilizer in early spring

Common Green Apple Tree Pests and Diseases

Green apple trees can be susceptible to the following pests and diseases:

• Aphids – Control with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays

• Codling moth – Use pheromone traps and treatments after petal fall

• Apple maggot – Monitor with sticky traps and treat foliage

• Cedar apple rust – Prune out infected branches and rake up fallen leaves/fruit

• Scab – Prevent with sulfur sprays applied in spring

• Fire blight – Prune out infected branches, disinfect tools between cuts

• Powdery mildew – Use neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays

Harvesting and Storing Green Apples

• Harvest green apples when mature but still firm in late summer/early fall

• Gently twist fruit upward to remove from tree

• Store freshly picked apples in refrigerator for 4-6 weeks

• Check regularly and use first any apples showing signs of spoilage

• Green apples also freeze well – slice, coat in syrup, freeze in airtight bags

• Can also be dried, juiced, or processed into applesauce, jams, pies, etc.

Enjoying the Bounty of Homegrown Green Apples

Growing your own green apple tree provides a bounty of fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Fresh out of hand snacks

• Baked goods like apple pies, tarts, muffins, breads

• Preserves like applesauce, butter, jam, chutney

• Beverages including cider, juice, wine

• Savory dishes such as salads, chutneys, sausage or pork dishes

• Crafts like wreaths, centerpieces, potpourri

The classic tart flavor and creamy white flesh of green apples lend themselves perfectly to so many recipes and creations. With a full grown green apple tree thriving in your backyard, you’ll have ready access to this versatile fruit year after year.

Full grown green apple trees are a wonderful addition to any home landscape. With their showy spring blossoms and abundant late summer harvest, green apple trees provide beauty, shade, and fruit. By selecting the right variety, providing ideal growing conditions, and implementing proper care, your green apple tree will flourish for decades to come. The tart, juicy homemade green apples will be a treat you’ll look forward to each year.