columnar apple

Water your columnar apple tree when the soil is dry. Water deeply - until the ground is saturated - and then wait until the surface of the soil is dry before watering the plant again. Depending on the location, type of soil, and temperature, this could be once a week in hot, dry conditions, or every couple weeks in cool, moist areas. Keep in mind that during the spring and summer, when your columnar apple tree is actively growing, you'll need to water more often. In general, apply around 1-2 inches of water a week. Once established, your tree should not need additional fertilizer.

Columnar apple trees (Malus pumila 'Obelisk' STARK CRIMSON SPIRE) thrive in full sun locations to best promote their flowering and fruiting, and receive 6 to 8 hours of light per day. If planted in an area with partial shade, the yields of the apple fruits could be decreased significantly. Planting and growing the tree in a location that has access to direct sunlight most of the day is essential for proper blooming and fruiting. Columnar apple trees also need protection from strong winds to reduce stress on the branches and ensure the quality of the fruits.

Columnar apples should be pruned in late winter to early spring when the plants are still dormant. The objective is to reduce the height and create a denser, more full look to the tree. Begin pruning by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Then, select a leader or vertical branch to be the main support for the tree and prune away any overlapping branches. Be sure to thin out any congested portions of the tree to allow for more airflow. Lastly, trim out any branches that may be further than 24 inches away from the main leader. This will help ensure that the tree is compact and well-shaped.