Malus domestica

Apple

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.: Depends on cultivar and rootstock

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
An ovoid to irregular
crown 1
Spread depends on cultivar and rootstock

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Low, but depends on rootstock and variety

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Moderate 1

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Early (Apr to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Moderate 1 (depending on cultivar and rootstock)

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: Depends on variety and rootstock

Management & Systems

Typical systemsiCommon agroforestry or silvicultural systems where this species is used:
Arable or pasture, lowland 1
Arable, pasture, grazed orchards 1

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Orchard tree

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree:
Staking, formative pruning, watering during any prolonged drought 4
Protection from browsing 8

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Annual pruning recommended 1

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Winter (mid) 1

Malus domestica/ Bee Happy Plants & Seeds

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: Fruits (eating, cooking, cider) 3

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp: Speciality timber 3

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: Limited Fuelwood from pruning 3

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: –

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: Full cropping reached in 3-5 years for modern systems, 6-9 for traditional 3

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: –

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Moderate – deep root depth, small canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Relatively low
Medium-term (40 years): Very low
Long-term (60 years): Very low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Long-established introduction (archaeophyte) – denizen or cultivated 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups:
High 5
Highest value for foliage invertebrates, leaf litter, pollen & nectar, fruits 5

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: Apr-May

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: Moderate to high 1

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: None known

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: None known

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Moderate to high, but varies according to variety, rootstock and intended use of apples
Susceptible to apple canker, apple scab, blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight, honey fungus, powdery mildews 6

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Generally high, but varies according to variety and rootstock
Susceptible to aphids, mussel scale, codling moth 3, fruit tree red spider mite, other caterpillars 6

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer:
Moderate
Moderate sensitivity to browsing for crab apple 7