When to plant Crab Apple?

Malus 'Evereste' thrives in full sun or partial shade, though flowering and fruiting are best in a sunny position. It tolerates a wide range of soils—loam, clay, and chalky—provided drainage is reasonable. Avoid waterlogged sites, but this crab apple is otherwise unfussy and suits most garden conditions across temperate Europe. Plant bare-root trees between October and November or in March, when the soil is workable and not frozen or waterlogged. Container-grown specimens can go in at any time during the dormant season, but autumn planting allows roots to establish before spring growth. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than the root system itself; the soil mark on the stem should sit level with the surrounding ground. Break up compacted soil at the base and sides of the hole to encourage roots to spread. Space trees 500 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 3 to 5 metres. If planting in a lawn, clear a circle at least one metre in diameter around the base to reduce competition from grass. Position the tree so the graft union (a slight bulge near the base of the stem) remains above soil level. Backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently with your heel as you go to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting—at least 20 litres for a bare-root tree—even if the soil is already moist. Drive in a sturdy stake at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the root ball, and secure the stem with a tree tie, leaving room for growth. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of well-rotted compost or bark mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.