How to Grow Winesap Apples in Georgia

Plant Winesap apple trees in a location with at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Do not put them in spots that are shaded by other trees.

Pull out weeds or remove grass from the planting location. An herbicide can be used, as long as it's safe for apple trees. Clear a circle that is 4 feet in diameter. Grass will take nutrients and water from the tree.

Amend the soil. Winesap apples prefer soil with a pH near 6.5, but Georgia soils tend to be below this level. Add lime to boost the pH. Get a soil test from a county extension office to find out how much lime is needed. Work the lime into the soil at least a foot so the roots can benefit.

Open fruit tree bundles immediately. Feel the roots. If they are not moist, soak them in water for six to 12 hours.

Dig a hole large enough for the roots to spread out. Prune damaged or broken roots. Place the Winesap apple tree in the hole at the same depth as it was in the nursery. Fill in around the roots with soil. Press down on the soil as you fill it to remove air pockets. Pack the soil firmly and level around the tree.

Water the tree to remove air pockets and help establish the tree. Let it run long enough to soak the roots.

Plant other apple trees nearby to pollinate the Winesap tree. At least two varieties are needed to improve fruit growth. Choose types with overlapping bloom dates. Winesap produces sterile pollen and should not be used as a pollinator, but other varieties will successfully pollinate it.

Target the strongest upright branch and make it the central leader. Cut off weaker branches that compete with this trunk. Allow three to four branches to grow in a scaffold whorl 24 to 36 inches above the soil surface. They should look like the spokes of a wheel. Leave 18 to 24 inches above the whorl free of branches, then create a second whorl. Don't keep branches that grow directly above each other because they will shade the other branches.

Apply 1 lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer to Winesap apple trees the first year. Spread twice that the next year and 3 lbs. the third year. Continue to increase it until you apply 5 to 6 lbs. for mature trees. Spread fertilizer under the drop line in early spring or late winter, before blossoms start to grow. Keep fertilizer from touching the tree trunk.