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Step 1
Plan your orchard far from any infrastructure. Consider how your apple trees will interact with anything in the area, whether it's a building, a paved area, pipes or other minimal structures. Trees too close to paved areas can disturb pavement or develop squeezed root structures. Tall buildings can also block the sun. Map out a spot that's right for your trees.
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Step 2
Perform drainage tests. Look for soils with good water drainage so that your orchard won't drown under standing water. You can look at engineers' plans, or do your own tests to assess drainage conditions.
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Step 3
Test soils for extreme alkaline or acid qualities. Apple trees can tolerate most soils, but extremes should be avoided.
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Step 4
Avoid planting in low-lying areas where the fruit might get chilled by cold air pockets. Look for a spot where your trees will get adequate sun and stay warm.
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Step 5
Plan enough space for the number of trees you want. More space between trees is better than less. Optimally, besides the several feet that the trees need to avoid crowding, you'll want enough space to allow pickers to operate and to prevent a "canopy" effect that blocks the sun.
