Knowledgebase

Apple trees #800411

Asked July 10, 2022, 8:34 PM EDT

Greetings, We planted 2 dwarf apple trees (honeycrisp and fireside) 4 years ago. One tree (Honeycrisp pic attached) grows rapidly but has no fruit. The other tree (Fireside 1 and 2 pics) has fruit but isn't growing taller and the trunk is loose in the ground. We've tried to prune it, but not excessively. We also staked it previously but then it started to lean again so it's staked currently. The trees are 20' apart. We are curious if there are any steps we can take to help both trees. Thanks for your help!

Washington County Minnesota

Expert Response

The trees need an inch of water per week and more when temps are in the upper 90’s. Apple trees typically bear fruit when they are about 8 years old. The tree wrap should come off in the summer because it can foster fungal diseases by keeping the trunk too moist. The honey crisp may be growing faster because it has more mulch around it and more shade for the roots because of the perennials. Maybe they get more water too. 
Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied July 11, 2022, 4:52 PM EDT
Thank you for your help! We will try to be more diligent with watering. Would you have any suggestions for keeping Japanese beetles off the trees?

Suzy

On Monday, July 11, 2022, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
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Dear Suzy, here's the response to your question:

The trees need an inch of water per week and more when temps are in the upper 90’s. Apple trees typically bear fruit when they are about 8 years old. The tree wrap should come off in the summer because it can foster fungal diseases by keeping the trunk too moist. The honey crisp may be growing faster because it has more mulch around it and more shade for the roots because of the perennials. Maybe they get more water too. 

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Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden

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The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2022, 7:02 PM EDT
People cover their trees with row cover material or landscape cloth that lets in air and water but that is difficult, obviously.  Other control options are described in the reference link.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles
Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied July 14, 2022, 7:19 AM EDT

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