How to Organically Take Care of Your Backyard Apple Tree

By Ann Katelyn

Some people think that spraying chemicals on apple trees will help them to grow beautiful and delicious. The truth is, it can only hurt the tree and the apples that grow on it. Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to take care of your backyard apple tree organically.

Growing organic apple trees can be hard, especially if you live in a state where insect pests are present and where humidity levels are high. The reason behind this is because these factors can make it harder for the diseases to be prevented.

Now, if this is your first time to grow organic backyard apple trees, then following the tips below will help you to know how you can perfectly take care of them.

Choosing the Tree

There are different types of apple trees to choose from, and choosing the best for your backyard is essential. Some of the best trees to plant are Gold Rush, Crimson Topaz, Enterprise, and Crimson Crisp. These types of trees are known be very manageable since they don’t usually grow very tall, which makes them perfect for your backyard.

Treating the Soil

One of the reasons why apple trees are prone to diseases are because of a sick soil. The reason behind this differs from region to region, though the most common ones are fungal pathogens and nematodes. One of the easiest ways to treat the soil is by fumigating it using the sun’s power, as this can eliminate 90% of pathogens. After a couple of weeks, you can now start using a rototiller or even a small tiller to plow the soil.

Pruned Trees

Once you have started planting the apple trees, you need to make sure that you keep them pruned in order to get the sunlight that they need. It also helps to keep them dry, which will avoid the growth of fungus.

When pruning, it is best to get rid of dead or broken branches. You also need to remove the branches that are rubbing other branches, as well as the ones that are already crossing from one branch to the other. This will help avoid upward growth.

Dormant Pruning

Dormant pruning is done to ensure that the trees’ shapes are maintained, which will help the production of fruit. If there are water sprouts, which are twigs that are thin that usually growing vertically from branches or trunk, they should be removed. Suckers, which usually grow vertically around the tree’s base should also be removed, especially during the growing season since they reappear often.

Cultural Practice

During the winter season, you can start removing apples that are mummified from the soil and the tree itself. You also need to pick up leaves that have fallen from the tree during autumn. By doing these things, it will help prevent the scabs from appearing, which can then affect the apple tree itself.

Fruit Bagging

There may be pesticides that are known to be biological, but it is always better to do it in the most natural way possible. The best way to protect the apples is by bagging them using a brown paper bag; this will help avoid pests from getting to your apples, and they are environmental friendly.

Mulching

Mulching will help keep the trees and the fruit healthy, which is why mulching is necessary. You can maintain the soil moisture and fertility by making sure that the trees are mulched permanently.

These are the ways you can organically take care of your backyard apple tree. You no longer need to worry about chemicals getting into your apples, because by following these tips above, they will surely be growing deliciously and naturally.

Having your apple trees in the comfort of your backyard is one of the best feelings one can have. Imagine, having naturally grown apples anytime you want. You and your family can actually enjoy eating the apples that you worked so hard to cultivate.

If you haven’t tried planting an apple tree, then this is the best time to do it. All you need to have are a bit of effort and patience for you to ensure that you will have a fruitful harvest every single year.

Ann Katelyn is the found of Sumo Gardner where you can find more expert articles on gardening. 

This article (How to Organically Take Care of Your Backyard Apple Tree) was written by Ann Katelyn of Sumo Gardner for Natural Blaze.com