Before you buy and plant an apple tree consider the following:

■ Space to grow and form of tree. How much space do you have? This will determine the form of the tree you choose.

■ Size of tree and type of rootstock. What size tree will fit the space? The ultimate size of an apple tree is determined by its rootstock.

■ Use of fruit: fresh eating or cooking. What kind of apple do you want? For fresh eating, cooking, or storing? Consider the cultivars and variety of apple you'd like to grow and eat.

■ Flowering time and harvest. When will the tree flower? This will determine pollination--apples require a second cultivar or variety to cross-pollinate--and harvest time.

 

Here is a review of each of these considerations:

■ Space to grow

The space you have to grow an apple tree will determine the form of the tree. Here are apple tree forms and the space they require: