I hope this discussion has been helpful to get you off on the right foot. In the spring, the fruit growers conduct an apple grafting seminar where you can buy rootstocks for $3 and they provide the cuttings (scion) from mature apple trees from their orchards for you to graft to the rootstock. Contact us today for information on pruning or any of our other apple tree care services. Norkent apple (zone 2) – Bred in Morden, Manitoba, Norkent is a very hardy tree, with good quality eating apples. Maybe in the future there will be a self-pollinating apple tree variety we can grow. Cortland apples are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Work the soil amendments down 12-18 inches prior to planting the tree. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Sign up for our newsletter. If you suspect a problem with your trees, call a SavATree certified arborist right away for an evaluation and treatment options. Apple Tree Care Apple trees unfortunately are susceptible to many insect and disease issues and require special attention. They are great for jellies, but also work well for other apple uses. Look for a more suitable planting location if your soil contains heavy clay, fast-draining sand or rocks. The Alaska Star is a weekly community newspaper that has served Chugiak-Eagle River for more than 35 years. During the early spring and summer fungicide applications are essential to prevent disease and produce healthy, high quality fruit. These apple trees set fruit without a pollinator, but another tree in close proximity improves production. — 25 apples appeared on the tree after the blossoms faded this past spring. A natural semi-dwarf tree that is precocious and productive. Feed apple trees with a balanced fertilizer when the tree begins bearing fruit, usually after two to four years. Thinning also prevents breakage caused by the weight of a heavy crop. Apple trees like well-drained, rich soil that will retain moisture. Apple trees need six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Mature and established apple trees benefit from fertilizer feedings of organic-based macro and micronutrients for the nutrition necessary to sustain their health. Make sure your tree is mulched well and the soil is well weeded. Fruit is produced by the pollination of the tree’s flowers. Apple trees should be planted in the spring of the year in the northern part of the United States and in full sun. Apples are grafted on a cold hardy rootstock, like the Siberian crabapple, which claims minus-60 degrees cold hardiness. The Alaska Fruit Growers Association is a good resource. The ideal pH for an apple tree is 5.5-6.5. Anchorage, AK 99503 This was really a great workshop and all my grafts were successful with their instruction. (Photo by Chris Wood), Growing apples in Alaska requires bushels of patience. All dead or diseased branches should be pruned, and any dried up apples, fallen leaves and plant debris should be removed away from trees. The ideal pH for an apple tree is 5.5-6.5. Fruit comes in many sizes and colors and is best eaten right off the tree. Apple trees should be planted in the spring of the year in the northern part of the United States and in full sun. -Rescue: Rescue is a type of crab apple that is red in color and has a tart, but sweet crisp flavor. Chris Wood is a certified master gardener and president of the Greater Eagle River Garden Club. Good cooking or eating apple. Keeps about 16 weeks in cold storage. Apple trees that have reached desired size can be pruned in summer, hindering future growth. Prune Cortland apple trees annually after the tree is bearing fruit. Your new tree should be well watered until it is established. At the beginning of the growing season horticultural oils should also be used to smother scale insects and reduce over wintering populations of aphid and mite eggs. Cortland apples are cold hardy apples originating from New York, where they were developed at an agricultural breeding program in 1898. Size of Tree – Apple trees can grow to about 40 feet, but also come in dwarf varieties which are easier to maintain.