While professional apple growers have learned traditional, time tested ways to get the most from their apple orchards, most of us are hobbyists who simply enjoy the taste of a fresh off the tree apple. There are many reasons people grow apple trees in their own backyards or smaller groves and orchards. The ability to make fresh apple sauce or pies or just grab a tasty treat right off the tree are just a few. If you’ve chosen to grow apples yourself, you will soon learn that it can be rewarding and (as most rewarding things in life are) somewhat difficult. This detailed guide to growing your own apple trees will cover nearly everything you need to know, from planting the young seedlings to harvesting apples from a matured tree. Many generations of apple growers have used simple guidelines to ensure the success of their orchards. These tips are handy for the professional grower as well as the hobbyist. I will cover special considerations for choosing a variety of tree that best suits your needs, and the best ways to care for your trees to encourage them to grow strong and healthy so they can consistently yield delicious fruits. Diseases, pruning, special care for grafted trees, thinning the fruit, and much more will be covered in this guide. In addition, I will present you with twenty of the most popular apple varieties and their specific needs.