Caring for Apple Tree

Water apple trees regularly during their first two years to help roots establish, especially in dry spells between April and September. Established trees need moderate watering—roughly 20–30 litres per week during prolonged dry periods in spring and summer, when fruit is swelling. Reduce watering in autumn and stop over winter. Mulch annually in late winter with well-rotted compost or manure, keeping it clear of the trunk, to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and feed the soil. Feed in February or March with a balanced general fertiliser (such as Growmore or blood, fish, and bone) scattered around the root zone and lightly forked in. In June, apply a high-potash feed (tomato fertiliser works well) to support fruit development. Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth and reduces fruiting. Apple trees are prone to several pests and diseases. Codling moth caterpillars tunnel into fruit from June onwards; hang pheromone traps in May to catch males. Aphids cluster on new growth in spring—squash by hand or spray with soapy water. Apple scab causes dark, corky patches on fruit and leaves; rake up and destroy fallen leaves in autumn to break the cycle. Powdery mildew thrives in dry conditions; water well and prune out affected shoots. Canker appears as sunken, flaking bark, especially on poorly drained sites—cut out infected wood back to healthy tissue. In colder zones, apple trees are fully hardy and need no winter protection. Thin fruit in June if the crop is heavy, leaving one apple per cluster, to improve size and prevent branches snapping.