kevin1

I've seen old overgrown orchards that had crabapple trees growing in partial shade to no apparent ill effect . Theystill set what looked like a good amount of fruit , even when compared to crabapple trees growing in suburban yards under constant full sun .Neither had been fertilized .

Indiana Dude

Thanks Kevin. I have a small clearing in my woods, I might give em a try.

Indianahunter2009

We have crabapples in our woods and they don't get sunlight, but they are thriving. Who knows...

kevin1

Me too , there's an area that will get fairly well cleared this Spring right behind my house where some crabapple , persimmon , filbert , and chestnut trees will be going in . I already have a gajillion oaks , so in about 5-7 years this place will really rock for deer , turkeys , and assorted small game . [8D]

battle buck

Most trees need atleast 4hrs of sunlight to grow.

1sagittarius

Have you had any problems with bears trashing crab apple trees like they do regular apple trees?

tazimna

when starting crab apple trees or regular apple trees, i'd recommend wrapping some 5' high fencing around them for the first several years. Stake the fence down with metal posts, usually 3 posts will do it. I use 4" square fencing. May want to also wrap the tree base a couple feet up with protective covering to keep rabbits,etc from eating tree bark. Taz

Matt74

What are the best varities to plant and how old do the crabapples have to be before they bare fruit. I live in TN. Matt

KONK

taz,

How long ago did you plant the Caragano, and how has it grown in Minnesota? I live in Wisconsin and have the same cllimate as you do. Did you get the peas the first year? I found a web site that sells the seeds and was also wondering how fast it grows. This site called them trees and said they can get as tall as 20'

konk