Dolgo Crabapple Tree Care

What can you use the crabapples for?

Dolgo crabapples are best known for making excellent jellies and jams. They are also very popular for making apple cider, apple sauce, and pies. In fact when you cook crabapples, they have a more distinct apple flavor compared to other apples.

These apples are also an important source of food for deer, not just humans, because of their abundant fruit!

What do crabapple trees look like?

Crabapple trees generally have a spreading, rounded, or vase-shaped form with a short trunk and branches that spread outward. In fact, they usually grow to a height of about 12-25 feet and have a similar if not larger spread. The fruit is small (about 2 inches in diameter) and round, with a tart flavor. Moreover, the leaves are oval to lance-shaped and dark green in color, with a few varieties displaying reddish-purple foliage in the fall. Lastly, the flowers are white, pink, or red, and they appear in clusters in the springtime.

More specifically, the dolgo crabapple tree has white flowers and grows to about 15-25 feet with a spread of 15-30 feet.

How fast do Dolgo crabapple trees grow?

Dolgo crabapple tree typically grows at a moderate rate of 12 to 24 inches per year, depending on the growing conditions. So in 5 years, they can reach heights of 5 to 10 feet.

Where do crabapple trees grow?

Crabapple trees can be found growing in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are commonly found in parks, gardens, and other open areas. Moreover they prefer full sun and well draining soil.

More specifically, Dolgo crabapple trees are cold hardy and grow in hardiness zones 3 to 8. Moreover they need about 400 chill hours.

Chill hours refer to the hours of temperatures below 45°F (7°C) required for certain fruit trees, such as apple and peach, to go dormant, produce blooms, and fruit the following season.

Is Dolgo crabapple self pollinating?

Yes, the Dolgo crabapple tree is self-pollinating! This means that it does not require another tree in order to produce fruit. However cross-pollination with another crabapple tree can often lead to larger and better-tasting fruit. Moreover, it is important to note that self-pollination can reduce genetic diversity.

Therefore since the Dolgo crabapple tree is a good pollinator for other trees because of its long bloom season, you can plant with other apple trees in the same area.

How can I plant and care for the tree?

For more detailed instruction on how to plant an apple tree, follow this article.

• 1. Choose a sunny spot in your yard that is sheltered from the wind. Make sure the soil is well-draining.
• 2. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your tree.
• 3. Remove the tree from the container and place it in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
• 4. Backfill the hole with the soil you removed earlier and pat it down firmly.
• 5. Water the tree deeply and mulch the area around the trunk in a 3-4 inch layer.
• 6. Prune the branches to the desired shape and size.
• 7. Feed the tree with a fertilizer designed for fruit trees.
• 8. Watch your Dolgo crabapple tree thrive in its happy home.

While this tree is additionally very disease resistant, it is still a good idea to use organic pest and disease control practices.

• Disease resistance
  • Scab – very resistant
  • Rust – very resistant
  • Fireblight– moderately resistant
  • Mildew – very resistant

How to prune a Dolgo crabapple tree?

• Pruning is an essential step to Dolgo crabapple tree care so don’t be afraid to go for it!
• First, prune the Dolgo crabapple tree in late winter or early spring, before it begins to flower.
• Cut off any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
• Remove any crossing branches.
• Prune the central leader (main trunk) and any upright branches, leaving branches that grow outward.
• Cut back branches that are too long or have grown too close to the ground.
• Thin out the branches to allow more air and light to penetrate the center of the tree.
• Next, prune the sides of the tree to shape it and keep it to a desired size.
• Then, remove any suckers (new shoots growing from the base of the tree).
• Lastly, prune with a smile on your face and enjoy the beauty of your Dolgo crabapple tree!

How to water? Dolgo crabapple tree care

• Water your tree with a garden hose or a watering can.
• When you see the soil has dried out, it’s time to water deeply.
• Moreover, water the tree slowly and evenly all around the root zone.
• Avoid splashing the leaves with water, as this can cause fungal diseases.
• Let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
• Lastly, provide supplemental water during periods of drought or dry weather.