When evaluating your property to determine if you want to focus efforts on release of wild apple trees for wildlife value, there are many factors to consider, such as the overall health of the apple trees, what wildlife you want to attract, the value of the surrounding trees that would need to be removed to release the apple tree, as well as other important food sources and habitat on your property in proximity to the apple tree.
Combine your objectives with what is available on your property to assist in the decision making process. Would you need to remove multiple trees or shrubs that are also fruit or mast producers (e.g., oak, beech, cherry, serviceberry) to release an apple tree? Know the needs of the wildlife you want to attract. If you want to attract grouse, then you should plan to leave thick, brushy cover nearby. Or if your objective is to attract deer, do you have bedding and cover areas nearby?
To learn more about releasing wild apple trees, as well as crop tree management practices to help promote the growth of more favorable through removal of less desirable trees, join the Yates County Master Forest Owners (MFOs) at their upcoming workshop on Saturday, September 7th from 9am to 1pm. Guest speakers include Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester and Director of the Arnot Teaching and Research Forest, and Bruce Robinson, practicing forester and forestry consultant.
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