Grow ABC

Apple trees

Apple trees: when and how to prune young and established trees, and how to keep them healthy and cropping.

When to sow and plant

Pruning

Diseases and pests

Apple trees through the year

Every job for growing apple trees on one chart. Click a row to open the full guide.

Winter pruning Summer pruning, vigorous trees only Winter pruning Plant (RHS fruit calendar) Plant (RHS fruit calendar) Plant while dormant (RHS apple guide) Plant while dormant (RHS apple guide) Plant fruit trees (Garden Organic) Mulch (RHS fruit calendar) Mulch (RHS apple guide)
CarePlant

Common questions

Why are my apples maggoty?

Usually codling moth. The RHS says the caterpillar feeds in the core for about four weeks, leaving tunnels, droppings and an exit hole. Damaged fruit ripens and drops early. Often only a small share of the crop is affected. More

Can I prune apple trees in autumn?

Yes, once the leaves have fallen. The RHS winter pruning window runs from leaf fall to bud burst, usually November to early March. More

When is the best time to plant an apple tree in the UK?

While it is dormant, from autumn to spring, the RHS says. Its fruit calendar plants fruit trees from November to February, unless the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Avoid hot, dry weather. More

In this section we use these sources: Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), School Gardening, Garden Organic. Each page lists its own sources at the bottom.