How to Grow Apples on a Terraced Hill

Constructing a Terrace

• 1

  Determine the dimensions of your terrace. Apple trees need sufficient spacing so their canopies do not shade one another out. For dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees, a terrace width of 8 to 18 feet should be wide enough to provide adequate tree spacing. Standard apples may require wider terraces. The length of the terraces should be as long as the slope or planting area you are using. Purchase wood board pieces that match the width to serve as side sections. Select additional boards to run the length of the slope; these will serve as the front and back supports for each terrace.

• 2

  Dig a trench at the base of the slope that is slightly thicker than that of the timber. Place the first front section of board in the trench to serve as the front retaining wall of the first terrace. It should match the length of your planting area. Dig two trenches into the slope, perpendicular to the first, along the sides of the planting area, that match the width you have chosen for each terrace. These trenches should reach the same depth as the first trench. Lay a piece of wood into each side trench. Overlap the edges of the side boards with the front retaining board and nail them together to secure. Use galvanized steel or other nails that are resistant to rust and are at least 1 1/2 inches in length.

• 3

  Level out the slope in your first terrace section by shoveling the soil from the back to the front, until an even surface is created. Use a rake to finish leveling the soil. Add more soil, if necessary, to create a level bed of adequate depth for your apple trees.

• 4

  Dig another trench where you will place the back board of your first terrace. Set the back board in place. It should be the same length as the first board you placed along the front of the slope, but will be at a higher starting point. Set the side boards in place as you did for the first terrace, and nail the three pieces together. At this point, you should have two rising terrace sections. Keep in mind that each terrace must provide sufficient spacing for the apple trees you intend to grow. With too many terraces that are too narrow, your trees may be too close together and lose light exposure. Once you have completed the tiers, you are ready to plant your apple trees.

Planting Apple Trees

• 5

  Obtain young trees, ideally 1 year old, from a local garden center. If you are planting trees that are 2 years or older, trim back the branches to encourage lower buds. There are thousands of apple tree cultivars out there, so review the specific growing requirements of the variety you are planting.

• 6

  Break up soil clods to aerate the soil and create a loose, well-draining growing environment.

• 7

  Prepare the trees for planting by cutting off dead or broken roots and soaking the roots for an hour beforehand.

• 8

  Dig a hole for each tree, with sufficient spacing between plantings, based on the variety. Dwarf apple trees may require just 8 feet of spacing, while standard apple trees demand 30 feet. Make sure the holes have a large enough capacity to contain the roots without bending them. Place the plants so the graft or bud union is set near the soil line, no more than an inch higher. Pack soil around the roots to cover them completely. Firm the surface of the soil.

• 9

  Provide water to thoroughly wet the soil around each root system. Continue providing 1 inch of water per week as the trees grow.

• 10

  Broadcast a nitrogen-rich fertilizer around the base of each tree, one month after planting and each May or June thereafter.

• 11

  Adhere to proper pruning techniques throughout the life of each tree. Early on and throughout development, remove unwanted branches. Additionally, in late winter, cut the tips off terminal branches to encourage denser branching.