Use and Care Manual

USE & CARE MANUAL
RED DELICIOUS
APPLE TREE
(Malus Domestica)
PLANTING GUIDE:
STEP 1) First, decide on a planting location. Consider carefully what kind of sun, soil, and growing-space
your tree or shrub will need.
STEP 2) Once you've located the perfect spot, the hole you are digging must be at least double the width
and as deep as the root system you are planting.
STEP 3) The top of the root system should be level with the ground. Before placing the tree or shrub in
the hole, use your hands to gently break up the root system.
STEP 4) Once the tree is in place, backfill the hole with native soil and any leftover potting material.
STEP 5) Pack down the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
STEP 6) When finished, water thoroughly.
PLANTING CARE:
Apples will grow more vigorously and produce more fruit in full sun. Apples prefer well-drained, sandy
loam soil but will grow in many soil types. Apples prefer slightly acid soil (pH 6.0-6.8). Dig a planting hole
approximately three times the width of the pot and at the same depth as the root ball. Set that soil aside
and mix it 50/50 with aged mushroom compost, aged manure, or rotted pine bark & aged manure or
compost. Water apple trees regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist without drowning the tree.
Spacing for apples depends upon the desired use in the landscape. Trees should be at least 15-20 feet
apart, but no further than 20 feet apart for cross-pollination. Prune in the winter while the tree is
growing and in the summer once the tree has reached its desired height.