Do It Yourself – Growing A Crab Apple Tree

The flowers of a crab apple tree are a joy to look at; they really spruce up the landscape, but there is much more to the crab apple tree. The small apples pack a bitter taste that does not necessarily lend itself well to general snacking purposes in most cases. While there are probably a few folks out there with disoriented taste buds who will argue over that last statement, it is still safe to say the most popular use of the crab apple is for a delicious breakfast jelly. There are also a number of other recipes that make the crab apple a delicious treat.

Many people plant crab apple trees simply for their ornamental beauty and the fact that they are easy to grow and care for. You will find a variety of crab apple tree that is suited to your growing zone at your local nursery. Choose the sapling that is right for you and then follow these easy instructions for crab apple tree planting and maintenance:

• Decide upon an area that offers either full sunlight or partial shade and perform a soil test using a soil test kit purchased from a nursery or a home and garden center at a major chain. The nutrient levels and pH are important for your tree’s health. Crab trees do best with a soil pH of 5.0 to 7.0. Be sure to follow the soil test kit instructions precisely.

• Once you have found the ideal location, your next step is to get busy digging a hole for your sapling. The hole should be twice the width of the container your tree is in when you bring it home and as deep as the container is. Take the tree out of the container and, with a sharp knife, cut a few slices into the root ball. The slices should be about an inch deep. This will allow the roots to expand and grow outward once the sapling is planted.

• After you place the sapling in the hole, fill the hole with an equal blend of compost and the original soil. Do not cover completely just yet. After you have the hole about half full, fill it about three-fourths of the way with water and then let the water drain. By doing this you will be assisting the soil to naturally settle around the tree’s roots. After the water drains, continue to add the rest of the soil mixture.

• Water the freshly planted crab apple tree well and make sure the soil stays moist for three to five weeks afterwards. During the rest of the season, the tree will need approximately an inch of water weekly. In subsequent years, the tree will only need to be watered during droughts.

• Add an inch or two of mulch around the tree.

• In upcoming years you will only have to fertilize if there are less than six inches of growth; do so before the budding season begins in June. Thereafter, fertilize your crab apple tree each three to five years.

• Pruning should be minimal once the tree is grown and should be done before June each year. Only remove dead, broken or intertwined branches.
Use these simple steps and you can enjoy not only the lovely blossoms, but the fruit of you labors for many years.