Ideal Soil for Apple Trees

Apple trees can grow in many different soils but not as well.

The ideal soil for growing apples is more a factor of the soil's draining ability rather than fertilization, according to Texas A & M. Soils that do not drain well pose more of a risk to an apple tree's health and its ability to produce fruit than soils that lack nutrients. That is why the ideal soils for growing apples have two important characteristics: particles of sand and clay.

Types

Apple trees can grow in many different soil types, but the ideal soil type for growing apples is limited to two: sandy loam and sandy clay loam. Sandy loam and sandy clay loam are preferable for growing apples because these soils drain well. Soils that do not drain well limit the air that reaches the fruit tree's roots, which can require gardeners to have to plant the apple tree 2 to 4 inches higher than normally required, according to Ohio State University.

Function

Choosing to grow your apple trees in just any soil type robs you of the potential for the healthiest and tastiest fruit. Planting apple trees in one of the ideal soil types will inevitably function to provide you with an apple tree that is less likely to be prone to insects and diseases due to soil that does not drain well. Planting the apple tree in ideal soil will also function to provide needed air to roots, helping the tree to grow healthy and strong, producing juicy and mature fruit.

Features

According to the University of Florida, sandy loam soil is not dominated by one particular sand particle size. This soil has a sufficient amount of silt or clay in it to aid soil particles in adhering sufficiently, preventing nutrient and water loss due to leaching.

Sandy clay loam, another ideal soil type, contains more clay than sandy loam soil does and is even more cohesive. This extra cohesiveness ensures more water retention and availability to apple tree roots. Clay soils not only retain water more than sand or silt soils, but clay soils also are high in nutrients, limiting the need for as much fertilization.

Geography

Soils vary from city to city and state to state at least a small measure, necessitating soil testing in order to determine the exact soil composition percentages. But even if you don't have a sandy loam or sandy clay loam soil in which to grow your apple trees in your particular geographical area, don't despair. You can always add sand or clay to your soil to increase the percentages of each, so you are not limited by geographically dictated soil compositions.

Identification

Submit a soil sample for testing with your local agricultural extension office. You are going to need to know what percentage of sand, silt and clay make up your soil in order to make any needed corrections. You also need to know the soil pH level (ideal soil pH is 6.5 for apple trees, according to Ohio State University).

References

• Ohio State University: Growing Apples in the Home Orchard - Where Should I Plant Apple Trees?
• Texas A&M University: Home Fruit Production - Apples
• University of Florida: Sandy Loams and Sandy Clay Loams