Apple
Malus varieties
Apple (Malus varieties) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun.
medium water15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wideToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: Bruce Marlin
- Photo 2: "Malus sikkimensis0" by Kurt Stüber [1] is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 3: "Malus-Ananasrenette" by Sven Teschke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en/.
- Photo 4: no rights reserved
- Photo 5: no rights reserved
- Photo 6: "Malus pumila0" by Kurt Stüber [1] is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Bloom color
- pink, white
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight (bacterial; worse in warm, wet springs)
- Cedar-apple rust
- Codling moth on fruiting types
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Apple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Apple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Apple get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide.
- How much room does Apple need?
- Give Apple about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Apple grow into?
- Apple typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Apple hardy on the Front Range?
- Apple is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Apple need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Apple grow?
- Apple is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Apple live?
- Apple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Apple safe for dogs?
- No. Apple is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Apple deer-resistant?
- No. Apple is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Apple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Apple can be affected by fireblight (bacterial; worse in warm and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
