Gala apples are a popular variety of apple that is sweet, crisp and juicy, making them a great addition to any kitchen.
But how big do gala apple trees get? If youre thinking of planting a gala apple tree, understanding the size and spacing requirements is essential for the best results.
In this article, well take a quick look at the size, sun requirements, soil needs, yield, and more when it comes to growing gala apple trees.
Plus, well cover some of the potential pests and diseases that may affect your gala apple tree.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about gala apple trees.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Gala apple trees can reach a height of 15-20 feet when fully mature.
They can also spread out up to 20 feet.
The trees are semi-dwarf and need plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive.
They can also benefit from pruning and regular fertilization to ensure good health and abundant fruit production.
Description of Gala Apple Tree
Gala apple trees are a type of deciduous tree that is native to New Zealand.
The tree can reach heights of 20 feet and a width of 25 feet when fully mature.
Gala apple trees have a relatively small canopy that makes them ideal for planting in smaller spaces such as backyards or orchards.
The trees have an upright, rounded form with a dense canopy of glossy green foliage and white flowers in the spring.
The fruit of the gala apple tree is a medium-sized yellow-green apple with a sweet and tart flavor.
Gala apple trees require full sun and moist but well-drained soil to thrive.
The trees are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil types.
To ensure optimal growth, the trees should be fertilized in the spring and pruned in the fall.
With proper care and maintenance, a gala apple tree can produce up to 200 apples each season.
Location & Sun Requirements
Gala apple trees are relatively small and compact, making them ideal for planting in smaller spaces like backyards or orchards.
They are typically shorter than other apple trees, growing up to 20 feet tall and spreading up to 25 feet wide when fully mature.
To ensure the best growth, a gala apple tree should be planted in an area that receives full sun for at least six hours a day.
The trees also need moist but well-drained soil to thrive, so it is important to research your area to determine the best type of soil for your tree.
If you live in an area with clay soil, you may need to amend the soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss to ensure proper drainage.
Size & Spacing of Gala Apple Trees
When it comes to Gala apple trees, size really does matter.
These trees can reach heights of up to 20 feet, with a spread of up to 25 feet when fully mature.
This makes them relatively small compared to other apple tree varieties, making them ideal for smaller spaces such as residential backyards or orchards.
Gala apple trees need plenty of space to grow and thrive, so its important to ensure that you provide them with adequate spacing.
If planting multiple trees, make sure to leave at least 15-20 feet between each one.
This allows the trees enough room to spread their branches and grow to their full potential.
It also prevents overcrowding, which can lead to competition for nutrients, water and sunlight.
With proper care and maintenance, a gala apple tree can produce up to 200 apples each season.
To ensure you get the highest yield possible, its important to provide your tree with the right amount of sunlight, water and nutrients.
For optimal growth and fruit production, gala apple trees should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day and be watered regularly.
Additionally, fertilizing your tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year will help promote healthy growth and prolific fruit production.
Soil Requirements for Growing Gala Apple Trees
When it comes to growing gala apple trees, soil is an important factor to consider.
The ideal soil for these trees is one that is moist but well-drained.
It should also be slightly acidic with a pH between 6.
0 and 6.
5.
The soil should be rich in organic matter and should be well aerated so that the roots can easily spread out.
Additionally, the soil should be free of any rocks or other debris that could hinder the growth of the tree.
When planting a gala apple tree, it is important to use a soil that is high in nutrients.
Compost and manure are great additions to the soil, as they will help to provide the tree with the necessary nutrients to thrive.
Additionally, the soil should be loosened before planting to ensure that the roots can spread out and take in the necessary nutrients.
Finally, it is important to water the gala apple tree regularly.
The tree should be watered deeply once a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
Additionally, if the soil is particularly dry, the tree may need to be watered more often.
This will help to ensure the tree is getting the necessary moisture it needs to thrive.
With proper soil care, a gala apple tree can reach its full potential and produce up to 200 apples each season.
Maintenance & Care for a Gala Apple Tree
When it comes to maintaining and caring for a gala apple tree, there are a few important steps to take.
The first step is to ensure that the tree is planted in an area that receives full sun exposure and has well-drained soil.
Full sun is necessary for the tree to reach its full potential and produce a bountiful harvest.
If the tree is planted in a location where it does not receive adequate sunlight, it may struggle and not produce fruit.
When it comes to soil, the tree should be planted in soil that has a pH of 6.
5-7.
5.
It is best to perform a soil test to determine the pH of the soil and to ensure that it is suitable for the tree.
The soil should also be amended with compost or other organic matter to help the tree retain moisture and provide it with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth.
Gala apple trees also require regular pruning and trimming.
Pruning helps to keep the tree healthy and allows light to reach the inner branches and fruit.
Pruning should take place in the late winter or early spring before the tree begins to produce fruit.
It is also important to water the tree regularly.
The tree should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods.
If the area receives a lot of rain, the tree may not need to be watered as frequently.
However, if the soil becomes dry, it is important to water the tree immediately.
Finally, it is important to fertilize the tree on a regular basis.
A slow-release fertilizer should be applied every spring and every six weeks during the growing season.
This will ensure that the tree receives the nutrients it needs to reach its full potential and produce a bountiful harvest.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your gala apple tree is healthy and produces a large harvest each season.
With proper care and maintenance, a gala apple tree can produce up to 200 apples each season and provide you with a delicious and nutritious snack.
Yield & Fruit Quality of Gala Apple Trees
The yield and quality of the fruit that a gala apple tree produces is largely dependent on the amount of care and maintenance that it receives.
If a gala apple tree is planted in well-drained soil, receives adequate sunlight, and is given proper fertilization, it should produce a large crop of apples each season.
The apples will be sweet, crisp, and juicy, with a uniform size and shape.
For optimal yield and fruit quality, it is best to prune the tree annually to remove any dead or diseased branches and keep the tree from becoming too tall and unwieldy.
Additionally, the tree should be watered regularly during dry periods, and the apples should be harvested when they are ripe.
When harvested at peak ripeness, the apples will have the best flavor and texture.
Potential Pests & Diseases
When planting a gala apple tree, its important to consider potential pests and diseases that can affect the trees health.
The most common pests that can cause damage to a gala apple tree are aphids, mites, scale, borers, and codling moths.
These pests can damage the leaves, fruit, and bark of the tree.
To prevent damage, its important to regularly inspect the tree for signs of pests and treat the tree with an insecticide if necessary.
In addition to pests, gala apple trees are also susceptible to several diseases, such as apple scab, fire blight, and cedar-apple rust.
Apple scab is a fungal disease that causes dark spots to form on the leaves and fruit of the tree.
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can cause the leaves and twigs of a tree to die back.
Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots to form on the leaves of the tree.
To prevent these diseases, its important to regularly inspect the tree for signs of disease and treat the tree with a fungicide if necessary.
Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your gala apple tree from pests and diseases.
Its important to choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Planting the tree in a sheltered location and pruning the tree regularly can also help protect the tree from pests and diseases.
Additionally, applying a fertilizer and mulch to the soil can help the tree stay healthy.
Finally, regularly inspecting the tree for signs of pests and diseases and treating the tree with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide can help protect the tree from damage.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the Gala apple tree is the perfect tree for any backyard or orchard.
Not only does it produce up to 200 apples each season, but it is also a relatively small tree, making it ideal for small spaces.
With the right location, sun, soil, and care, you can have a thriving Gala apple tree in no time! So don’t wait any longer, start planting your Gala apple tree today!.