- The apple tree as a shallow root with aversion to waterlogging
- Rules of thumb for root size only apply to a limited extent
- Replacing an old apple tree
- tips and tricks
Statements about the root system of apple trees cannot really be made for all apple varieties. The roots can reach very different dimensions depending on the respective growth form as an espalier tree in a pot or as a free-standing wild apple.
The apple tree as a shallow root with aversion to waterlogging
Even if the roots of the apple tree do not usually run directly along the earth's surface, it is still a predominantly shallow rooter. Therefore, when planting your garden, you should also make sure that you do not plant roses and strawberries in the immediate vicinity of the apple tree trunk, as they would not grow well here. Apple trees are sensitive to waterlogging, which is why they should only be watered about once a week, even in summer.
Rules of thumb for root size only apply to a limited extent
An old popular rule of thumb is that the root depth and circumference of tree roots can be roughly read from the size of the tree crown. In times of special breeding and master forms, this only applies to a very limited extent. Even the roots of a small apple tree or a bonsai apple tree can reach a surprising size. Since the crown of the apple tree was often trained into a specific shape by a targeted cut, the root circumference can hardly be read from it.
Replacing an old apple tree
After a maximum lifespan of around 100 years, most apple varieties have reached their maximum. If you want to replace an old apple tree in the same place with a young one, this involves a relatively large amount of work. Since pome fruit planted after pome fruit does not grow well, the entire tree root must be dug up and removed for such a project, and then the soil filled with new humus. Without heavy equipment, such an undertaking involves a lot of physical work, despite the rather shallow root depth of apple trees.
tips and tricks
Often apple trees should not be replaced simply because of their age, but because they do not produce the desired yield. It might be worth trying grafting the branches of high-yielding apple varieties onto the existing tree. In this way, the growth size of the existing tree can be used as a basis for several new apple varieties.