What Kind of Protection Does a Ginger Gold Apple Tree Need?

Disease Protection

• Ginger Gold apple trees, like many other apple varieties, have a susceptibility to mildew. The best protection against the formation of mildew is to keep the trees in an area with good airflow. Grow your Ginger Golds in an open area, not near buildings or fences, and thin the tree's canopy with yearly pruning to encourage airflow. Also, during the growing season, keep the area around the tree free of leaf litter and moist organic material that can harbor mildew.

Deer and Rodents

• Your apple tree's bark will need protection from deer and rodents. For rodents, use mesh wire to make a cage around your tree trunk. The mesh should sink 1 inch into the ground and be at least 18 inches tall. If deer are a problem in your area, make a taller fence with chicken around the trunk.

Winter Protection

• In-ground apple trees tolerate winter's cold temperatures and won't need much winter protection. The shallow roots of dwarf Ginger Gold trees will benefit from a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch for protection against freezing weather. Because the roots are exposed to temperature fluctuations, dwarf trees planted in containers need special protection if the weather turns frigid. Wrap the container in a blanket and then place a tarp over the blanket to keep it dry.

Insect Protection

• Many insect problems can be controlled by introducing beneficial, predatory insects to your garden and by keeping your Ginger Gold in overall good health. However, you will need to protect against canker worms and caterpillars that work their way inside your apples. A sticky product called tanglefoot placed on the trunk of the tree works like flypaper against worms and moths. Hanging tent-shaped moth traps on your tree's branches reduces the number of moths and their offspring.