Apples

Apple tree ©Janet Allen Apple tree

This old apple tree, a Yellow Delicious, has been full of blossoms almost every year, and there has been quite a lot of apples produced.

However, apples (except for a few specifically for growing organically) suffer from not being sprayed. We don't do much with the sometimes-bountiful crops.

Question mark butterfly eating sap ©Janet Allen
Question mark butterfly eating sap

As with our pear tree, though, it has habitat benefits.

As the photo shows, this question mark butterfly enjoys the tree's spring sap. Many birds perch there, and some nest in its branches. (See Our Habitat Garden for more information.)

It also provides some privacy in the corner of our yard (since we live on a corner lot).

And, of course, we enjoy its beautiful spring flowers.