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Pataskala,OH

Years ago my mom planted apple trees, they must have been mislabeled at the garden center. They are healthy but they must be super dwarf or something they reached 8 feet and stopped. This obviously is a problem since I live in the country and the trees are basically deer food. I am thinking about replacing them with a different apple variety

What apple tree variety's would be the best for a large yard where deer are around? Also where would be a good nursery to buy them from?

4/2/2012 5:02:28 PM

Bethlehem CT

Nic The variety is not what is important, pay attention to the rootstock the tree is on. If you want tall trees you want a standard or seedling rootstock. It is hard to find standard rootstock these days. (most are dwarf or semi dwarf) The grafted rootstock is what imparts the dwarfing trait. The dwarf plants have a less vigorous root system and this leads to the dwarfing of the scion (cultivar) St. Lawrence Nursery in upstate New York has a really nice selection of applevarieties and they use a standard very cold hardy rootstock.( From Siberia) Check them out.

4/2/2012 9:38:12 PM

Bethlehem CT

Another thing to consider is rather than start over, try spraying the lower branches (4-5 feet and under) with a product called "Tree guard". (I believe it is made by Monterey and the active ingredient is bitrex) Spray it on in November and it will last all winter. Spray it around the base of the trunk and the voles won't eat the bark either. I have been using it for many years here. It works really well, but is not cheap. One taste of the stuff and the deer won't try it again. Unfortunately if you have bucks they still may try to rub there horns on your young trees. I had them do that to a few of mine last year. There is always something out to get you!

4/3/2012 8:35:46 AM

Kentucky

Try burying past the graft scar. Maybe the scion will root and start to push the tree to grow larger.

4/3/2012 9:48:32 PM