AT A GLANCE
Does an apple tree grow in clay soil?
are apple trees robust and also grow in clay soil. However, it is important to prepare them in such a way that they do not compact and hardly allow any air to reach the roots. In addition, waterlogging could form and damage the root system.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of clay soil for apple trees?
Loamy soils store the water very well, but compress strongly and warm up in the spring slower.
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However, these negative points can be compensated for by targeted soil improvement. Due to the good water storage properties of clayey soils, you have to Also, don't water the apple tree as often during the warm summer months like a fruit tree that grows in rather sandy substrate.
How are the clay soil and planting pit prepared?
Improve the excavated clay soilwith two buckets of sand and one or two buckets of compost:
- Place bare root trees in a bucket filled with water for a few hours.
- During this time, dig the planting hole. It has to be big enough for the roots of the apple tree to fit in and not get kinked.
- Mix that up topsoil with the sand and compost.
- In addition, pierce the sole with a digging fork and loosen it up.
How is a bare root apple planted?
So that bare-root trees grow well, is one special treatment of the root system required:
- cut the main roots of the apple tree freshly with a cleaned pruning shears.
- Plant the apple tree so deep that the upper branches of the main root are just below the surface of the earth.
- The grafting point, recognizable by the kink in the trunk, is at least a hand’s breadth above ground level.
- Take the tree out of the planting hole and hammer in a planting stake.
- Plant the sapling, fill it up with the improved substrate and muddy it thoroughly.
How is a container apple planted in clay soil?
You can use baled goods, in contrast to bare-root apple trees, which are only planted from October to April, put all year round.
- Place the apple tree and container in a water-filled vat for a few hours.
- The planting hole should be 20 centimeters deeper than the ball is high and twice as wide.
- Enrich excavated topsoil with sand and compost.
- Drive in the planting stake and place the tree in such a way that the grafting point is a hand's breadth above the ground.
- Press on the soil and water carefully.
Tip
Create a watering rim for the apple tree
By enriching the soil with sand and compost, you probably have a lot of substrate left over. This is perfect for creating a pouring edge. Pile up the excess excavation at a sufficient distance from the apple tree in a circle around the wood and fasten the small wall with a shovel or by stepping on it.