|
I'm about 100 miles east and a little south from your location. I've got 30+ trees in the ground and haven't got many apples to show for the time and money invested.
The problems:
#1: Deer will eat your trees and/or push against them and knock them over. If you have any deer at all in your area they will seek out your young trees and kill them. A circle of 48" fencing will keep your trees from being destroyed, but then its a pain to mow/weed and prune. Plan your fencing before you plant anything.
#2 Diseases I try to choose disease resistant varieties but still have issues. If you don't want to be spraying a lot you're going to have problems.
#3 Insects There are various insects that will defoliate your young trees which can lead to their death. You can throw the dice and leave the bugs alone, but its better to be ready with some kind of control.
#4 Late frosts This is the main reason (I believe) I don't get many apples.
My most disease resistant varieties are Liberty and Freedom, they have also put on the most growth compared to the other trees I've planted. They used to be available from Stark's. Look around your neighborhood for apple trees that are producing and try to determine what varieties they are and go from there. |
|