Urban Pollinator Pack – Apple Tree Collection

These trees do get the usual apple diseases such cedar-apple rust (if you have cedar trees near by), fire blight, powdery mildew, apple scab etc. I purchased several columnar trees many years ago and have had difficulty getting a harvest due to the above diseases. Last year I managed to eat one apple. A rigorous organic spray program would increase my yield but I can't do any thing about the cedar apple rust problem since I can't cut the cedar trees near by. This spring I plan to cover my trees when the fungal spores are prevalent and spray with organic antifungals.

They are bareroot and will ship 2-3 feet.

We blended our own potting mix based on a YouTube video from MIGardener where he is specifically planting columnar apple trees in pots. We planted these in 1/2 whiskey barrel containers. The big thing is going to be to have a rich soil that is well drained because trees require a good deal of nutrients but also don’t like their roots to be too wet. One more consideration is that if you live in a cooler climate like we do in south central Wisconsin, potted trees may need some protection from the elements as they can die if they encounter a very deep freeze. To negate the negative effects of say a polar vortex induced winter, move your potted trees to a spot close to the house where they won’t be subjected to direct winds. The warmer microclimate next to the house along with the calmer air currents should protect the trees from root killing freezes.

When shipped, regular trees are about 3-4' tall and/or with a 3/8" or larger trunk diameter. A Stark® Supreme Tree is one of the season's top-grade, bare-root trees that gives you a head start on growing. When Supreme trees are shipped, they are about 4-5' tall and/or with a 5/8" or larger trunk diameter. Both are 2 years of age when shipping out.

We appreciate you reaching out to us. Because weather and soil conditions vary so much from year to year and even within your zone, it's best to think of your planting time as a range of favorable conditions instead of an exact time.

You can plant new plants and trees:
1) when the ground is not frozen.
2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32ºF) and below 90ºF.
3) when extreme weather (blizzard, hail, torrential rain, etc.) is not in the forecast. Be sure to keep plants watered if you're transplanting in warm and/or dry weather.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!

Yes, apple trees grown in extra-large grow bags are at risk of root freeze damage in USDA Zone 5, especially during extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures.

While apple trees are generally hardy in Zone 5 when planted in the ground, container-grown trees are far more vulnerable because the roots:

Lack soil insulation

Are exposed to air temperature on all sides, not just from above

Can experience root damage or death once temps dip below 20°F, depending on the rootstock

🧤 How to Protect Apple Trees in Grow Bags in Zone 5:
1. Move to Shelter (Best Option):

Place the tree in an unheated garage, shed, or cold frame where temps stay just above freezing.

Keep the soil slightly moist to avoid desiccation.

2. Bury the Grow Bag:

Sink the bag into the ground before winter (up to the rim).

Cover with mulch or leaves for extra protection.

3. Wrap for Insulation:

Surround the grow bag with straw, mulch, bubble wrap, or burlap.

Group containers together or place them near a wall for wind protection.

4. Use a Heavier, Thicker Grow Bag or Container:

Fabric grow bags provide good aeration but poor winter insulation.

Consider placing the grow bag inside a larger pot or lined box filled with leaves, mulch, or straw.

That will depend upon which option you choose. Please see the "Choose an option" dropdown menu near the top of the page, which will show you the various sizes/options that are available.

We appreciate you reaching out to us. You can find the years-to-bear information in the Characteristics section, near the top of the page, underneath the description. This tree takes 2-5 years to bear.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!

The pot size should be about 20 inches wide and 20 inches deep.

Our website has a special feature that will help you find the best plants for you to grow in your area. Simply enter your zip code in our Hardiness Zone Finder and as you browse our page, you’ll see a small check mark next to products that are hardy to your growing zone!

https://www.starkbros.com/zone-finder