Basically, apple trees in the garden require relatively little care compared to other fruit trees. However, in summer weather and shortly after planting, it can definitely make sense to water the tree sufficiently.
How should you properly water an apple tree?
An apple tree should be watered when the top soil layer is dry by pouring at least three large watering cans of water (approximately 30 liters) at the edge of the tree disk. Regular watering is particularly important during hot periods in summer and during the ripening phase of the apples.
Care for and water the apple tree properly
A freshly planted apple tree seedling should be watered sufficiently during the growth phase, even if it is planted at the ideal time in autumn. Ultimately, it takes some time until the fine roots that were sometimes injured or trimmed during transplanting have branched out sufficiently again. Since the apple tree is predominantly a typical one, regular inspection and watering may be necessary during hot, dry periods in summer. The following factors play a role:
- the tree age and the vitality of the tree
- the location
- the soil substrate
- the weather pattern
Be careful with freshly planted trees
Immediately after planting, a young apple tree should not only be watered to ensure the moisture itself, but also to close air holes around the roots with fine soil substrate. In gardening circles, this process is also known as “sludging”. It works best if a light watering edge is modeled from the ground around the tree disk of the freshly planted tree, which directs the water towards the tree trunk. This means no water is lost and watering can be carried out with maximum efficiency.
The right level of watering the apple tree ensures the tree's he alth
Basically, you should place an apple tree in a location where it gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. This is the only way you will be able to harvest sweet and intensely tasting apples in larger numbers. This also means that the apple tree is exposed to sunlight for a longer period of time per day during hot periods in summer. As soon as the top layer of soil feels dry, the shallow-rooted apple tree should be watered with at least three large watering cans of water (equivalent to around 30 liters of water). You should not forget to water, especially when the apples are ripening, otherwise the apple tree may drop fruit in dry conditions. Applying a layer of mulch around the tree trunk saves watering work, but can promote fungal infestation. Overwatering should also be avoided if the soil is impermeable, as apple trees are sensitive to waterlogging.
Tips & Tricks
Since the fine roots of the apple tree extend into the ground at some distance around the tree trunk, watering should not take place directly on the tree trunk, but at the edge of the tree disc.
