I live in NY hardiness zone 6. I just purchased 2 apple trees, 1 Red Delicious and 1 Cortland. They stand 6-7 feet tall and I believe they are 2 years old. They are starting to bloom and leaf out. the temps here have been into the teens at night and around 40 during the day. I have kept them in the barn at night and put them outside during the day for sun. Is it to early to put them in the ground? Thank you in advance.
Is it okay to plant apple trees now?
- Thread starter callemin
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Not an apple tree expert, but sounds like they are coming out of dormacy. I planted apples last year in March while the trees were still dormant. It is my understanding that you want to plant before any growth on the leaves and ideally to plant in the fall if available. You want the tree to spend energy making roots, not flowers or fruit. I don't see any reason to put them into the barn at night.
Mattemma
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I read spring and fall are the times for planting and pruning the fruit trees. I would put them in the ground.
I see the local stores are starting to put out the fruit trees for sale. I hope to get some into the ground by May.
I often buy plants that are on sale and almost dead. I have have pretty good luck getting them back to good health. Trees are expensive here unless they are 1 foot seedlings.Transplant shock is always a concern in the larger potted plants.
I see the local stores are starting to put out the fruit trees for sale. I hope to get some into the ground by May.
I often buy plants that are on sale and almost dead. I have have pretty good luck getting them back to good health. Trees are expensive here unless they are 1 foot seedlings.Transplant shock is always a concern in the larger potted plants.
ThisOldCabin
Sprout
I think it is getting alittle late to plant them.They really should be dormant,not blooming.However,we just figured out one of the 2 we planted last here has died.We will be planting 2 new ones today.I'll let you all know how these do.Good luck.
thistlebloom
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If your ground isn't frozen and you can dig a hole you can plant them!
Don't worry about them starting to leaf out or bloom, it won't set them back at all. In fact you can plant trees pretty much any time of the year except when it's blazing hot or your ground is frozen.
edited to add- If it's into the teens at night, throw a sheet over them so the leaves don't freeze.
Don't worry about them starting to leaf out or bloom, it won't set them back at all. In fact you can plant trees pretty much any time of the year except when it's blazing hot or your ground is frozen.
edited to add- If it's into the teens at night, throw a sheet over them so the leaves don't freeze.
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks for the reply's. I just got them at my local Tractor Supply store. I was concerned they came from a nursery down south of where I am because they are blooming already. I wish they got them in earlier but they just arrived so I will be putting them in the ground this Thursday. Wish me luck. 
lesa
Garden Master
Welcome! I think they will do fine- make sure you keep us posted! I have planted an apple tree when it wasn't dormant and had no problems with it. Good luck! Happy Gardening!
