A special white plastic spiral tree guard with several holes for air circulation may also be used. They are available from any nursery or garden center. If high carbon mulches such as sawdust, straw or corn cobs are used, additional nitrogen may be needed. Apply in late May or early June. Because of varietal, soil, mulch and site differences, no two fruit plantings will respond the same.
Terminal growth is a brighter color and is found on the ends of the branches.
It is the amount of last year's growth. Terminal growth on bearing dwarf apples should be around 6 inches. On young trees it might be two to three times this amount. Growth much above or below this figure would indicate too much or too little fertilizer. Fertilizer applications should be adjusted accordingly.