Dig planting holes just large enough for the root system. Plant the tree 10cms lower than the container's level. Supply enough organic mulch like hay or grass clippings for the soil to retain moisture and limit weed growth. Incorporate 500 grams of chicken manure to the mulch for every tree. Apply mulch at regular intervals as the old mulch gradually breaks down and the trees grow.
Some apple varieties only bear well every second year, with light crops every other year.
Prevent this by thinning excess fruit in good years to give the tree strength for the following year. Flower buds and fruit develop on the tips of the branches, or on short two years old spurs along the branches. Train apples to a central leader to develop a strong trunk with several well-spaced lateral branches to form the tree. As trees mature, pruning mainly involves removing crowded branches. Annual apple tree pruning encourages new growth shoots and continual fruiting spur development.