Fuji Apple Tree Care

Fuji apple trees are a good addition to backyard gardens.

Fuji apples originated in Japan, and became popular in the United States in the 1980s. Prized for their crisp texture and sweet flavor, they can be used for baking and are also excellent for eating raw. Fuji trees can be purchased for ground planting, or in a container for a patio, deck or porch. Adding a Fuji tree to a backyard garden requires basic tree-planting preparation, although some additional care is required if you wish to cultivate the tree's fruit.

Location

Plant the Fuji tree in full sun; or, if the tree is in a container, make sure it has access to full sun during the day. Do not allow the tree to be shaded from buildings or other large trees. Plant the Fuji tree away from other trees to give roots plenty of room to spread out, as well as the upper branches as the tree matures. Avoid planting near streams and wooded areas to minimize damage from animals.

Soil

Fuji apple trees can grow in many types of soil -- except those that are poorly-drained or heavy, as water can rot tree roots -- with the proper nutrients and amount of water. However, if possible, test the soil -- preferably prior to planting -- to see if anything needs to be added to the soil to improve the pH balance. This can usually be done through your County Extension office. If nutrients are needed to amend the soil, work them in 12 to 18 inches below the surface to reach the roots of the tree.

Pollination

The Fuji apple tree requires pollination with a different variety of apple tree for fruiting. If other apple trees are in the vicinity, this should happen naturally. If not, however, you will need to plant a second tree to provide cross-pollination. This will require a variety that has an overlapping date for blooming -- you want both fruits to bloom at the same time for pollination to occur. Insecticides should not be sprayed during blooming, as these are harmful to bees and can prevent pollination.

Weeds

When planting the Fuji tree, remove all grass in a 4-foot diameter circle around planting hole; after the tree is planted, keep the area weed and grass-free. This removes competition for nutrients and water, allowing the tree to concentrate on growth and apple productivity as it matures. Keeping the area weed-free also discourages small pests -- such as voles -- that could dig at the base of the tree and are capable of damaging the root system and killing the tree.

Pruning

Prune the Fuji apple tree in the winter during dormancy. Pruning encourages the tree to remain healthy by removing any dead or dying branches, or any apples that have not fallen off in the fall. Pruning younger trees -- especially in the first year -- allows owners to "shape" the trees, rather than let branches grow out in any direction.

Fertilization

Apply fertilizer either in late winter or early spring to ensure the Fuji apple tree is receiving required nutrients. The recommended application is 1 lb. of fertilizer (10-10-10 each of nitrogen, phosphate and potash) the first year; 2 lbs. the second year; 3 lbs. the third year; ending at 5 to 6 lbs. per year when the tree is mature. Fertilizer should be applied no closer than 6 inches near the base of the tree. To avoid any potential burning, apply fertilizer on the soil at the tree's "drip line," which is the circle that follows the outer ends of the branches.

References

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Growing Apple Trees In The Home Garden
• University of California Cooperative Extension: Low-Chill Apples
• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Care of Mature Backyard Apple Trees

Resources

• Apple Source: Growing Tips
• Texas A&M University Extension: Home Fruit Production - Apples
• University of Illinois Extension: Apples & More - Growing Apples
• Produce Oasis: The Fuji Apple Has Been One Of The Most Popular Apples In America For Years