ApexCrab™

APEXCRAB™ ApexCrab™ is one of the cleanest crabapple trees you will ever plant. It combines exceptional disease resistance with heavy annual fruit production, making it an outstanding choice for wildlife plantings. Additionally, the sharp, sweet-flavored fruit begins dropping in very late October and continues through November in the Northeast, providing an excellent late-season food source for deer. The fruit is approximately the size of a 50-cent piece and grows heavily on one-year-old wood. As a result, ApexCrab™ produces impressive crops at a young age. This variety thrives in Plant Hardiness Zones 5-8 and reaches a mature height of over 20 feet. Every ApexCrab™ is propagated by grafting tissue from the original tree onto vigorous rootstock. Therefore, every tree you receive is genetically identical to the original tree featured in our photos and description. Why Hunters Choose ApexCrab™ Exceptional disease resistance Heavy annual fruit production Sharp, sweet-flavored fruit Late October through November fruit drop Excellent wildlife attraction Grafted onto vigorous full-size rootstock Hardy in Plant Hardiness Zones 5-8 Tree Size 2-Year Tree (4-6′, 5/8″ Diameter) These two-year-old trees develop extensive root systems and often have multiple branches with a trunk diameter of at least 5/8″. Before shipping, we prune every tree to approximately 66 inches to ensure safe delivery. Extensive root system Multiple branches Minimum 5/8″ trunk diameter Ships at approximately 66 inches in height Up to 15 trees per shipping box Free local pickup available 2-Year Select Tree (4-6′) Our Select trees represent the largest grade we offer. In addition, they typically have better feathering and trunk diameters approaching 3/4″. Largest trees available Excellent branching structure Trunk diameter approaching 3/4″ Ships at approximately 66 inches Up to 14 trees per shipping box Free local pickup available ApexCrab™ Rootstock We graft ApexCrab™ onto a hardy, vigorous standard rootstock that produces a full-size tree between 20 and 30 feet tall. Consequently, larger trees produce substantially more fruit throughout their lifetime than dwarf trees. Furthermore, standard rootstock allows the tree to grow naturally without restricting its size or lifespan. The deep root system anchors the tree securely while improving drought tolerance. These roots also reach deep into the subsoil to access moisture and nutrients unavailable to shallow-rooted trees. Therefore, this rootstock performs exceptionally well in wildlife plantings and challenging soil conditions. Another advantage is early production. ApexCrab™ often bears fruit surprisingly quickly, even when grafted onto vigorous standard rootstock. Pollination Like all apples and crabapples, ApexCrab™ requires another compatible variety for pollination. Therefore, plant at least one different apple or crabapple variety nearby. For the best results: Plant at least two different named varieties. Avoid planting trees with the same variety name. Choose varieties with overlapping bloom periods. Consider Grams Gift Crabapple as an excellent pollinator. Picture a bee leaving one blossom and visiting another tree with a different variety name. That simple trip transfers pollen and helps both trees produce abundant fruit. Planting Instructions Plant ApexCrab™ Crabapple in moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0. Additionally, choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you have not completed a soil test, we strongly recommend doing so before planting. Phosphorus and potassium play an important role during establishment. However, these nutrients move slowly through the soil. Therefore, incorporate them into the planting area before or during planting for the best results. Do so only in moderation; too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. If your soil test indicates a low pH, simply mix pelletized lime into the backfill according to the recommendations. For the best success: Space trees approximately 20 feet apart. Protect each tree with a minimum 5-foot tree cage. Install a breathable 2′ × 2′ weed mat. Cover the weed mat with approximately 10 gallons of stone and 2 gallons under the weed mat. Wrap the trunk with aluminum window screen to discourage rodent damage. Following these recommendations helps your trees establish quickly while protecting them during the critical early years. Tree Shipping We ship dormant bare-root trees to Plant Hardiness Zones 2-8 beginning in early March and continuing through the last Monday in April. You can select your preferred shipping date during checkout. We ship on the day you select, typically the working day before the selected date. Because bare-root trees must remain dormant during shipping, Plant at or just before trees in your area break dormancy. However, if you need winter shipping, please contact us during that period, and we can arrange it for you. Tree Pickup The last week of March through the first week of April typically offers the best planting conditions in Pennsylvania. Additionally, we offer free local pickup for customers in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states. Choose your preferred pickup date during checkout. If your schedule changes, simply contact us and we’ll gladly arrange another appointment. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for tree pickup. Learn More Continue your research with these helpful resources: Crabapple Trees for Deer Tree Planting Guide Apple Pollination Guide Rootstock Information Shipping and Pickup Info