How to Grow and Care for an Apple Tree So It Produces Delicious Fruit for Decades

Growing an apple tree is a great way to enjoy delicious, fresh fruit from the comfort of your own home. Once these plants reach maturity, they can produce hundreds of apples per year—so you'll always have ingredients on hand for crisps, pies, fritters, and more.

Of course, growing an apple tree isn't without its challenges. Most need to be pollinated, many are prone to diseases, and you'll need to put in time and effort for them to reach maturity. To help make the process a bit easier for you, we consulted with expert arborists. Here's everything you need to know to grow these wonderful trees.

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Some apple trees are better for home gardens than others. Of course, the best variety depends on your region and climate, so it's always a good idea to peruse your local farmer's market, or call a cooperative extension and ask for advice. Here are two apple trees that flourish in most of the U.S., and that are great choices for beginners.