Planting columnar apple trees - the distance between trees and the planting pattern

Columnar apple trees are popular due to their compact crown. These are small fruit trees that grow on a central stem. They do not give lateral branches. An unusually beautiful appearance is also used in landscape design. It is useful to learn how to properly plant a columnar apple tree. There are many nuances in this matter.

General landing rules

Small size and attractive appearance have become the reason for the popularity of columnar apple trees.

First of all, you need to choose a landing site. Columnar apples need:

• fertile soil, it should be light sandy loam or loamy soil;
• the sun. The place for the tree must be sunny, otherwise the apples will not ripen;
• lack of high groundwater. They must be at least two meters above ground level.

Carrying out pre-boarding activities

Before planting a columnar apple tree, you need to carry out preparatory measures.

Terms

Depending on the region, you should choose a variety and a planting site. If climatic conditions do not allow growing such apple trees outdoors, you can plant them in a closed greenhouse. Due to its small size, it is possible to organize a real mini-garden.

Columnar apple trees should be planted in sunny places.

Timing when to plant columnar apple trees

It is necessary to plant apple trees of this variety in the spring before bud break. The soil should already be warmed up by this time. If the landing is done in the fall, you need to calculate at least a month before the onset of frost. The tree must take root and get used to it.

Sapling storage

The roots must not be allowed to dry out during storage. It is recommended to dig in the seedling and water it. You can prepare wet sawdust, put roots in them, moisten them periodically.

Landing plan

The plan will be individual for each grade. It is necessary to take into account not only this, but also the rootstocks on which the seedlings are grafted.

Determination of a favorable place

The landing site must be protected from drafts and strong winds. It is best to place trees near fences and buildings.

Pit preparation

You can plant an apple tree in:

• trenches. Its dimensions should be: width 45 cm, depth 50 cm;
• landing pits. This option is suitable for a small number of seedlings. Pits need to be prepared at least 20 days before disembarkation. The size needs to be dug out according to the root system.

The landing pattern can be varied depending on the size of the site

Root processing

Before the planting procedure, the roots must be immersed in warm water for 15 hours. This is necessary to stimulate growth. After that, you need to prepare a chatterbox from clay and dip the roots into it before planting.

Features of the

Planting columnar apple trees has a number of features.

Depth

The hole needs to be dug up to one meter deep. The placement of the seedling is determined by the size of the roots and the place of grafting. It is recommended to fill the rest of the space with fertile soil and compost.

Is it possible to plant a columnar apple tree alone

It is recommended to plant at least two seedlings. One apple tree is allowed only if it is a Moscow necklace variety. Otherwise, pollination will be weak, there are few ovaries.

Group landing

If a large number of seedlings are planted, they must be placed in accordance with the ripening period. On this principle, a landing pattern is drawn up. It should include groups:

• summer;
• autumn;
• late.

This division is necessary for ease of care.

At what distance to plant columnar apple trees from each other must be determined taking into account the size of the site.

You can plant different varieties of apple trees nearby

Organic farming principle

The basic rules of organic farming also apply when planting columnar apples. The principles are as follows:

• do not dig up the ground. In the case of colonial apples, you cannot even loosen the soil, this can damage the roots;
• mulch planting with straw;
• do not use chemical preparations.

Landing features

The planting order of core apple trees, as they are sometimes incorrectly called, is adjusted depending on which soil prevails in the garden.

How to properly plant a columnar apple tree in clay soil

If there is clay on the site, then the hole needs to be dug up to 1.5 meters. A drainage cushion is made. Which should consist of sand, rubble and broken brick. Every effort should be made to prevent stagnation of water in the pit.

Into sandy soil

In the prepared pits, you need to create a waterproofing effect. For this, clay and silt are poured into them.

With a high level of groundwater

If the groundwater is very high, then trees should be planted on bulk hills and ramparts. It is imperative to equip a drainage system on the site.

At the site of vaccination

When planting, you need to pay attention to the grafting site and the root collar. They should be located 6 cm above the ground.

Vaccinated south

It is best to use a compass and point the graft site south.

You can plant seedlings both in spring and in autumn.

Seasonal differences

The preparation of pits for apple trees depends on the planting season.

Spring

If the seedlings are planned to be planted in the spring, then the hole must be dug and prepared in the fall. The soil will settle better, the fertilizers will dissolve.

Landing scheme

The distance between the apple trees should be no more than 50 cm. You can plant trees in rows or in order.

Fertilization

Step-by-step instructions on how to fertilize seedlings in the spring includes the following activities:

• 500 g of ash, 80 g of potassium, 100 g of superphosphate, 5 kg of compost are poured into the planting pit;
• from the second year, nitrogen fertilizers are added in the spring;
• when setting fruits - complex preparations;
• in the fall - potassium.

You need to water every four days, after that be sure to mulch. Abundant watering is organized every three weeks.

Fall

From the second half of September to mid-October, the autumn landing period lasts.

Scheme

The layout is the same as for spring events. It can be chess and in-line.

Fertilizers applied

Fertilizers are not applied until spring.

Pruning

Formative cropping is used. In annual seedlings, the crown is not formed in the first year. They start only from the second year. Young shoots are cut into two buds.

Terms in the regions

In the second half of April, the planting date comes for the middle strip and the Moscow region. In the Urals and Siberia, this happens earlier.

Pros and cons of planting columnar apple trees in spring

The columnar apple variety has an important disadvantage. Trees do not tolerate frost well. Given this feature, it is best to plant them in the spring so that they have time to take root. The disadvantage is the need to take more careful care of the seedling all summer, planted in the spring.

Pros and cons of planting a columnar apple tree in the fall

The advantage of planting in the fall is considered to be minimal maintenance.

Is it possible to plant columnar apple trees of different varieties next to each other

Not only different varieties can be planted nearby, but also different ripening periods.

Caring for a columnar apple tree after planting

After planting a tree, you must provide him with:

• watering;
• fertilizing with fertilizers;
• pruning;
• timely harvesting;
• insulation in the winter.

When pruning in the first year, young lateral shoots are removed, only two eyes remain. In the fall, they become branches. They are removed the next spring. In the third year, a fruitful branch is formed.

Prevention of diseases and pests of young seedlings

For seedlings, a great danger is posed by:

• moth;
• aphid;
• Schlechtendahl tick.

For pest control it is necessary to carry out the treatment with "Fitosporin". For the winter, tree trunks must be wrapped with foil so as not to damage hares and mice.

By following the recommendations and adhering to the guidance of gardeners, both when planting and during care, you can grow a tree that will begin to bear fruit even before it turns five years old.