By Jennifer Bass, Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist
Serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties
I grew up on a farm and my parents felt it important to have an orchard full of every kind of fruit tree, but apples were the favorite of us all. My brother's birthday was in August, and we always knew that would usually be our first meal from our trees, with apple dumplings instead of cake. As the season progressed, we would have apples to munch on, use in side- dishes and desserts, make into applesauce, and freeze to enjoy all year long.
Raising apples takes labor and time. When deciding to plant trees there are many decisions to make. What kind of apples do I wish to grow? Do I have space for a few apple trees? What size trees am I going to get? Is my site sunny enough, and does my soil drain well?
Select the Site
To begin, determine whether you have a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Apple trees require cross-pollination, so plant at least two compatible varieties. Dwarf trees generally require less space than semi-dwarf or standard trees. Mature apple trees can range from about 10 to 30 feet in height and width depending on the rootstock and variety. Avoid planting beneath utility lines and allow enough spacing for good air circulation, which helps reduce disease problems.
Decide the Cultivar
Next decide what kind of tree you wish to plant. Do you plan to eat the apples fresh, or would you also like fruit for pies, applesauce, and freezing? The cultivars below are commonly grown in the Midwest and are worth considering for home orchards based on fruit quality, disease resistance, storage life, and availability through retail nurseries. Because apples require cross-pollination, plan to grow at least two compatible varieties. The varieties 'Winesap' and 'Turley' produce sterile pollen and should not be relied upon as pollinizers.
Apple Cultivars to Consider for Illinois Home Orchards
| Cultivar | Harvest Season* | Flavor | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | Early September | Tart-sweet | Excellent disease resistance and dependable production. |
| Enterprise | Mid-October | Sweet-tart, spicy | Highly disease resistant with excellent storage life. |
| GoldRush | Late October | Rich, tangy | Outstanding flavor and long storage potential. |
| Honeycrisp | Mid-August | Sweet, juicy, crisp | Popular fresh-eating apple known for its exceptional texture. |
| Gala | Mid-August | Sweet | Productive early-season apple with excellent fresh flavor. |
| Fuji | Mid-October | Very sweet | Crisp fruit with excellent keeping quality. |
*Harvest dates are approximate and may vary by year and location. Characteristics adapted from University of Missouri Extension.
For gardeners seeking lower-maintenance trees, consider disease-resistant cultivars such as Liberty, Enterprise, and GoldRush. These varieties can help reduce common disease problems while still producing high-quality fruit.
Plant the Tree
When planting, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system. Set the tree so the graft union remains above the soil line and water thoroughly after planting. Trees may be planted in the fall or early spring, although spring planting is often safer in colder climates. After planting, apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the tree to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to reduce rodent and disease problems. Continue watering during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
Newly planted trees should be pruned to about 30 inches in height at planting. To learn more about pruning after planting and throughout the life of the tree, visit the Illinois Extension apple webpage: Growing Apple Trees. The site includes diagrams and detailed pruning information. Local orchards may also offer pruning demonstrations or workshops.
Be Patient
Apple trees typically take several years to produce a significant crop. If fruit develops during the first year or two, removing it can help the young tree direct energy toward root establishment and branch development. Training young branches to develop wider crotch angles can improve tree structure and long-term strength. During winter, pull mulch away from the trunk to discourage mice and voles. Deer also enjoy apple bark, so consider using tree guards or protective mesh around the trunk.
Avoid Common Diseases
Common apple diseases include apple scab, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew. Proper spacing, annual pruning, and good air circulation can help reduce disease pressure. If disease management becomes necessary, follow current Illinois Extension recommendations for product selection and application timing. Remove diseased branches and clean up fallen fruit and leaves around the tree to reduce future problems.
Illinois Extension publications and websites can provide additional information on growing fruit trees in the home landscape. Combined with proper site selection, planting, and care, these resources can help you enjoy homegrown apples for years to come.