Many snakes are actually protected by law. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department can provide further information. As the weather warms, often in late February, snakes begin to move about. Remove piles of brush or lumber, tall grass and any other good hiding places or sheltering habitats for snakes in your garden. The Harris County Extension Service suggests using mothball crystals containing paradichlorobenzene to repel snakes.
Apples prefer a fertile, loamy soil with good drainage.
A soil analysis could determine what you need to add. It's important to fertilize, especially during the first years. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer around the tree's drip line monthly from March to June. Dwarf apples can take three years to bear, so this may be your year. Semi-dwarf apples can take up to five years.