Apple

Malus domestica

I offer apple trees grown two different ways: seedlings grown from seed collected from named, no-spray parent trees, and grafted trees of known varieties. Both are excellent options, depending on your goals.

Seedling apple trees offer genetic diversity and resilience. Grown from apples produced by healthy, no-spray trees, these seedlings often show strong disease resistance and adaptability to local conditions. Each seedling will be genetically unique, meaning the fruit characteristics will vary, but many produce high-quality, flavorful apples well-suited for fresh eating, cider, or processing.

Grafted apple trees are exact clones of a known variety, grafted onto reliable rootstock. These trees produce predictable fruit with known flavor, texture, and harvest timing. They typically begin bearing fruit sooner than seedlings and are ideal if you want a specific apple variety with consistent results.

Bare-Root Planting:

When you receive your tree, it will be bare root (no soil around the roots). The tree will be dormant for winter shipping, which allows it to be dug and transplanted with minimal stress. The most important thing is to keep the roots moist. Your tree will arrive in a pot with moist woodchips or wrapped in moist paper towels inside a bag. While it can stay this way briefly, planting soon after purchase is strongly recommended.

Size / Spacing:

Apple tree size depends on the rootstock and how the tree is managed. Most trees will reach 12–20 feet tall and wide if left unpruned. Dwarfing and semi-dwarfing rootstocks stay smaller, while seedling-grown trees tend to be more vigorous. Space trees 15–25 feet apart for standard growth, or closer with regular pruning for higher-density plantings.

Site Preference:

Apples produce best in full sun with good air circulation. Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is ideal, but apples are adaptable to a wide range of soils. Avoid low spots where cold air and moisture collect, as this can increase disease pressure.

Pollination:

Most apple trees require a compatible pollinator to produce fruit. Planting two or more different apple varieties, or having nearby wild or cultivated apples, will ensure good fruit set.

Hardiness:

Generally hardy to Zone 4, with some varieties tolerating colder conditions.