recommended apple tree sources?

[academama]

I'd like to plant a pair of apple trees. Do any of you have any experience with any of the mail-order nurseries? Any good ones or ones to avoid?

I'm interested in planting a Honeycrisp and a Granny Smith, if that matters.

[JamieCatheryn]

I've had good experiences with Stark Brothers nursery, but try and get potted ones not bare-root because it bounces back from shipping better (but if a tree dies the 1st year they do refund 100%).

[FarmerCathy]

It depends too if those two varieties do well there. I would ask your local ag extension office for advice and then order trees unless you know those varieties do well there already.

[academama]

Originally Posted by FarmerCathy

It depends too if those two varieties do well there. I would ask your local ag extension office for advice and then order trees unless you know those varieties do well there already.

That's a great idea. The companies I've looked at (including Stark Bros) all say they grow here but I'm not sure how WELL they grow here!

[stephienoodle]

I haven't done mail order with them (because they're local for me), but I've had good experiences with Edible Landscaping and heard good things about Vintage Virginia Apples. Since they're in the mid-Atlantic (Virginia) they should have experience in growing conditions similar to yours and know if the trees will do well.

[GardenStream]

I mail ordered 2 honeycrips and 1 granny smith from Stark Brothers. I was happy with them.

[Breathless Wonder]

You should check with your local 4-H. Where we are, they do a "Small Fruit Sale". For our area, this includes 3-4 varieties of apple tress, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes, strawberries, and a few other fruits that thrive in our area. We paid about $10 each for our bare root Granny Smith and Gala trees, and they have done EXCEPTIONALLY well! The Small Fruit Sale is usually late winter/ early spring here.

[Literate]

I'm very happy with the trees I received from Stark Bros. I bought a honey crisp and a red rome (to pollinate the honey crisp) 18 months ago and I have one red rome apple! It was a surprise, getting anything.

I'm going to harvest it next week. Then I'm going to cut it into 4 pieces and sit down for a nice family meal. Maybe have some other foods on the side, har har.

[MissMommyNiceNice]

YOu need to make sure your trees flower at the same time because they pollinate each other, they do not self pollinate. Also, you'll probably want to find a local source b/c all fruit trees are grafted onto root stock for specific areas. I'd check a local nursery or orchard with a good reputation.

(thanks Master Gardener class!)