flowering crabapple

Flowering crabapple trees require weekly watering with a thorough soaking to maintain their health and vigor during the growing season. The soil should be moistened to a depth of 6-12 inches, which equates to 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Watering should occur in the early mornings or late evenings to avoid excessive evaporation. During hot, dry weather, water may need to be applied more frequently. To ensure the tree never goes without water, it can be beneficial to set up an automated irrigation system.

To get the best growth and flower production for a flowering crabapple (Malus 'Weepcanzam' CANDIED APPLE), it needs at least 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight per day throughout the growing season (spring and summer). To get the maximum benefit from the sunlight, focus on getting as much of it as possible during the middle of the day when it is at its brightest and most intense. During the hottest months, it is important to provide additional protection from the sun's intense rays, such as providing some shade in the afternoon when it is at its strongest.

The rule of thumb for pruning flowering crabapple trees is to prune them in late winter or early spring. If pruning only for light shaping or thinning is necessary, wait until after the bloom period. For heavy pruning, the best time to prune is in late winter (February or March) before the buds swell. Prune only enough to reduce the height and spread of the tree and to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Prune out water sprouts and crossed branches that rub against each other. It's best to not remove more than 25% of the tree's canopy to prevent the tree from being shocked. Also, avoid pruning into old, thick wood, as this can cause further damage.