How to Grow Crabapple Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Crabapple tree is a plant that is native to North America. The tree is a deciduous tree that can grow to be about 30 feet tall. The leaves of the crabapple tree are oval shaped and have a toothed margin. The flowers of the crabapple tree are white and have five petals. The fruit of the crabapple tree is a small apple that is red or yellow in color.

How to Grow Crabapple Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • crab apple
  • wild apple
  • mountain apple
  • southern crab apple
  • American crab apple

Common Knowledge

  • Crabapple trees are members of the rose family.
  • Crabapple trees are native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • Crabapple trees are typically small to medium in size.
  • Crabapple trees have a short lifespan, typically only living around 20 years.
  • Crabapple trees produce small, tart fruits that are popular for making jams and jellies.
  • Crabapple trees are susceptible to a number of diseases, including fire blight and apple scab.
  • Crabapple trees are also susceptible to insect pests, such as aphids, scale, and caterpillars.
  • Crabapple trees are generally low-maintenance and easy to care for.
  • Crabapple trees are popular ornamental trees due to their showy flowers and fruits.
  • Crabapple trees can be propagated by seed, grafting, or cuttings.

How to Grow

  1. For crabapple tree, first step is to find a good location. It should be in full sun and have well-drained soil.
  2. The second step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree's root ball.
  3. Third step is to mix some compost or other organic matter into the hole.
  4. The fourth step is to place the tree in the hole so that the roots are spread out.
  5. Fifth step is to fill in the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Sixth step is to water the tree well.
  7. Seventh step is to apply a layer of mulch around the tree, but not touching the trunk.
  8. Eight step is to prune the tree as needed to promote good branching.
  9. Ninth step is to fertilize the tree each year with a slow-release fertilizer.
  10. The final step is to enjoy your beautiful crabapple tree!

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the crabapple tree prefers moist but well drained soil, and they are quite adaptable to different soil types. They are not tolerant of waterlogged or overly dry soils. Sandy loams or clays are ideal, but the tree will also do well in heavier clay soils as long as they are not waterlogged.

About light

Not too different with other fruit trees, crabapple trees need full sun to produce the most fruit. They will still produce fruit in partial sun, but not as much. Crabapple trees also need well-drained soil to thrive.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions are perfect for a crabapple tree. The tree needs a cold winter to break its dormancy and produce fruit, so a warm winter wouldn't be ideal. The tree also needs a spring with cool temperatures and plenty of moisture so the flowers can bloom.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and it cannot tolerate below 40%. Crabapple tree do best in full sun but it will also tolerate partial shade. It grows best in moist, well-drained soils but it is also tolerant of clay soils.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this type of plant prefers a low nitrogen fertilizer in the spring when new growth begins. A good time to fertilize your crabapple tree is early September. If you live in an area with salty soil, you'll need to fertilize more often because the salt will damage the roots and make it harder for the tree to absorb nutrients.

Light requirement

Pruning a crabapple tree is important to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. You should prune in early spring before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Next, thin out the canopy to allow more light and air to reach the inner branches. Finally, remove any crossing or rubbing branches.

About Propagating

Propagation is accomplished through rooting hardwood or softwood cuttings, or grafting. Crabapple grafts readily onto rootstocks of other apple trees. Crabapples can also be propagated by seed, but this is generally not done because it produces a tree that is significantly different from the parent.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 13 and 24 inches per year. Some crabapple trees can grow more than 3 feet per year. The average adult crabapple tree can reach a height of 30 feet and a width of 20 feet.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are mostly due to cultural practices and include: poor drainage, scab, powdery mildew, cedar-apple rust, fireblight, and codling moth. Most of these problems can be controlled with proper cultural practices and/or treatment with fungicides and insecticides.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your crabapple tree regularly. Crabapple trees need a lot of water, especially when they are first planted.
  • Fertilize your crabapple tree every year with a good quality fertilizer.
  • Prune your crabapple tree every year to keep it healthy and encourage new growth.
  • Be sure to mulch around your crabapple tree to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  • Plant your crabapple tree in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours per day.
  • Crabapple trees are susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, so be sure to watch for signs of problems and treat them promptly.
  • Harvest crabapples when they are ripe and use them fresh, or make them into jelly or sauce.
  • Crabapple trees can live for many years, so be sure to take care of them properly.
  • Give your crabapple tree room

Substitution

  • Crab Apple
  • Crabapple
  • Crab trees
  • Crabapple Tree
  • Crabtree
  • Apple Tree
  • Dogwood
  • Cherry Tree
  • Maple Tree
  • Oak Tree

Source:
How to Select a Crabapple Tree | NDSU Agriculture and Extension
Malus coronaria (American Crabapple, Garland Crab, Sweet Crabapple ...
Sweet Crabapple | Glen Arboretum - Towson University

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