Have any of you guys planted Apple trees near or in your food plots for the deer. If so, do they attract any deer for you and do you think they are worth the investment. Also what kind of apple trees would be good to plant for deer. I know a person should plant different varieties for pollination and also ones that ripen at different times throughout the fall.

Thanks for any info.

Apple trees will attract Deer, but you'll have to wait several years for them to start bearing. When I lived up in Vanderburgh County, I had several Apple trees and also several Crab Apple Trees and the Deer were attracted to them. Down where I live in Kentucky, I think the elevation is a bit too high to grow Crab Apple trees. I have one regular Apple tree, but the Squirrels usually grab all the apples before they ripen.

Put a fence around Apple trees for a few years or deer will destroy it... They will eat the leaves and Bucks will rub it in the Fall... Also, plant more than one see bees can pollinate them...

I know from experience...

I planted 3 about 5 years ago in a plot that were fenced around. Only one produces apples and they are sparse. I fertilize them every fall and trim every March. The other two don't even flower. You need to stay on top of the bag worms or they will take them out. I am pulling the fences down this year as they are big enough and I am about done with them. Time for them to survive on their own.

Thanks for the input fellas. Sounds like they are a lot of work and may not be worth messing with. I like how easy they make things look on TV then when you do the stuff yourself it never pans out right. I think I will skip the planting of apple trees.

What I'm disappointed with is the Dunstan chestnuts these trees die as fast as I plant them do well for a couple of years then die I Think our clay soil is too dence for a tree that comes from further south

I have found that pear trees are easier to take care of. Got some from Hallman Farms a few years back.They have been bearing pears since year 3. They have 4 kinds for wildlife pears that all drop at different times in the fall. Deer clean mine up quick. I have managed to snag a couple off the Trophy pear tree. Good eating!the best bearers for me so far are the Trophy Pear and the Doc's Special. Just planted some of their Giovan Pears 2 years ago. they flowered this spring and have a couple of small pears on them.

Throbak. Most of my problem with my Dustan's are that the deer love them! Can't keep them from tearing them apart. Finally I am caging them like an apple tree with a fence.