How do I care for apple trees on a property I just purchased?

June 17, 2022 Ask the Expert, Fruit Trees and Small Fruits

Question:

I purchase a house and the previous owner had planted 17 apple trees. They are producing apples and I had some questions to ask.

1. Is it okay for me to eat these apples?

2. I am planning on making pesticide by mixing baking soda, vegetable oil, dish soap and water to spray the trees. Should I buy pesticide from a store instead?

3. What type of care should I do for these 17 trees? Some trees are producing more than others. Also, they are fully grown trees.

4. Someone was telling me that I should not plant food directly in the ground and I would get sick some eating those vegetables. Is this true?

Answer:

Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional

Congratulations on the first steps in learning to farm and growing your own food. The first thing to know is that usually there is no one answer to most gardening questions. I will try to address each question with a resource that help you determine the right answer to your question.

I purchase a house and the previous owner had planted 17 apple trees. They are producing apples and I had some questions to ask.
1. Is it okay for me to eat these apples?
The apples should be safe to eat unless you see something in the surrounding area or on the tree that would indicate otherwise. Industrial waste, a capped landfill, or an old mill might be an indication that a soil test might be needed for heavy metals. If the trees are mature and there are that many trees, then it is likely the soil is fine.

2. I am planning on making pesticide by mixing baking soda, vegetable oil, dish soap and water to spray the trees. Should I buy pesticide from a store instead?
It is never a good idea to spray pesticide just to spray it. First, you need to see if there is a problem. Pesticides kill indiscriminately and that means killing pollinators and insects that keep other pests in balance. Area birds need insects to survive so killing insects for no reason is not only a waste of time and money, it is harmful. If you do identify a problem, then you need to find a pesticide that is licensed in the state of Maine and use that strictly according to directions. If you use the right chemical at the wrong time then you can really harm the tree or the surrounding plants.

3. What type of care should I do for these 17 trees? Some trees are producing more than others. Also, they are fully grown trees.
This general reference is a good place to start. If you find you have older trees that need rejuvenation (lots of branches and leaves but few apples you might want to check this bulletin out. https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2409e/ Renovating old apple trees. If you have heritage varieties then check out the MOFGA resources: https://www.mofga.org/resources/apples/how-to-grow-apple-trees/

4. Someone was telling me that I should not plant food directly in the ground and I would get sick some eating those vegetables. Is this true?
I think they may have been referring to PFAS in the soil in some parts of Maine. This resource should help indicate if this is an issue for you: https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/understanding-pfas-and-your-home-garden/ If you are planting vegetables you should also do a soil test to find out what kind of soil you have and what your garden might need to be successful. You may pick up a soil test box and paperwork at your local Extension office. You pay for the test when you mail it in.