Why Plant Liberty Apple?
The Liberty Apple Tree may not be well known, but when planning the backyard orchard, smart homeowners who do their research give this one top billing. Bred to be naturally resistant to many of the diseases that affect other Apple Trees, it’s a no-brainer for those who wish to garden organically and not spray toxic chemicals on food their family is going to eat. Oh, and the flavor? This is one satisfying apple! Liberty is a juicy, aromatic, tangy apple with vinous (wine-like) undertones. It’s delectable right off the tree when picked at the peak of ripeness, and it also makes a delightful pink-tinted applesauce when you leave in some of the rich red peels.
The Liberty Apple Tree was not a chance seedling, but the result of a carefully orchestrated marriage of trees with specific traits. In 1955, plant breeders at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva chose ‘Macoun’ to be the mother of the new Apple Tree. Macoun is another release from the Geneva research station that scores sky-high on flavor but low on disease resistance. To boost Liberty’s immunity to diseases, it was sired by a relative of Malus floribunda, the robust Japanese Flowering Crabapple. The Liberty Apple Tree isn’t immune to all of the pests and diseases that afflict Apples, but it is far more resistant than most.
How to use Liberty Apple in the landscape?
Liberty is the perfect Apple Tree for the beginning fruit tree grower. Besides being disease resistant, it naturally develops a strong, sturdy branching habit, it fruits at a young age, and it sets heavy crops annually (some Apple Trees have better crops every other year). In fact, you may need to thin the fruits during the first few years, so the branches can support a hefty crop of apples.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-7
How To Plant Liberty Apple
Apple Trees prefer good garden soil but will grow in clay provided drainage is good. Choose a site in full sun where air circulates freely. Avoid low spots where late frosts can strike in spring and damage the blossoms; this is especially important with Liberty, because it is an early-flowering variety. You will need another early to mid season blooming Apple or Crabapple Tree nearby to pollinate Liberty’s flowers and ensure good fruit set. There are many potential pollinators to choose from, such as Braeburn Apple or Royal Raindrops® Crabapple.
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water slowly and thoroughly. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.
How To Prune
Pruning in the first year of establishment may be beneficial to fruit production in the second season, although it isn't necessary!
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
