When planting your apple tree, prepare a hole up to three times the diameter of its root system. Fork over the base of the pit in readiness, incorporating plenty of organic matter into the backfill and planting hole. Place the plant in the planting hole and carefully refill, firming the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Insert stake at this point if required.

Avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil, trees should be planted out as they arrive. If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting - or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up.

Once in the ground, stake firmly and keep the base weed-free. Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support growth and fruiting and provide regular watering during hot, dry spells.

The main winter prune, avoiding frosty conditions, involves removing dead, dying, and diseased wood to create an open crown. Additionally, reduce leaders and laterals by a third to establish an airy structure without crisscrossing branches. In August, summer prune by shortening side shoots longer than 20cm (8”) back to three leaves, promoting fruit ripening and encouraging more fruit buds.