How do you propagate apple cuttings?
Here is an article that may be helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-root-cuttings-from-various-shrubs-bushes-and-trees.htm
How do I stop ants on my apple tree?
If you are seeing ants, it probably means you either have an aphid problem (ants are attracted to their honeydew) or there is rotten or split fruit on the attracting them.
If it's aphids, once they are treated, the ants will leave too. Here is some information on treating aphids: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
If pests are not the problem, you may need to pick off all the remaining fruit. Additionally, you can try some of the suggestions in the following articles: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-of-ants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/keeping-ants-of-flowering-vines-vegetables-and-flowers.htm
How far apart can I plant an apple tree from another tree, such as peach tree?
This guide should help: https://www.arborday.org/shopping/trees/fspacing.cfm
I live in Chicago, Il. And I wanted to buy a fruit tree, Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum. I've never planted a tree before and I was wondering if it was possible to have a fruit tree in Chicago. We have hot, humid summers and harsh winters. I just wanted to know maybe what would be the best tree to buy for my area. Thanks :)
Since you live in an area with harsh winters, it may be better to grow fruit trees in containers, leaving them out all summer and bringing them indoors for overwintering. All of these trees you listed, except for the peach, will do well in containers where you live. If you want to grow peaches, you will need to find a variety that is suited for your area. Peaches and nectarines need a certain amount of cold to bloom, and you will need to look for a "low chill" variety. Of course, it may be possible to find other hardy fruit trees as well. Check with your local garden center for help with this.
You will also need to make sure you can give your container fruit trees enough water. They will need watering daily most of the time.
I have an apple tree that is planted in the middle of a raised flower bed. The bark on the tree is very scabby and the fruit has what I assume are either ant or earwig marks. Also, the plants in the planter seem to be eaten (usually I plant nasturtiums). Is there anything I can spray or put around the tree trunk to deter this?
I would recommend using a product called Safer Bug Patrol and follow the directions on the label for use around fruit trees. It can be purchased in a handy hose end sprayer bottle.
I have been growing apple trees for three years. First year, 2-4 apples on each tree, then no fruit. This year 5-7 on each tree. . . . .
This could be due to poor pollination or something lacking in the soil. It could be low on phosphorus, which is responsible for flowering and fruiting. I would have your soil tested to see what, if anything, is missing and then fix it accordingly. These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/insect-pollination-process.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm
When my trees blossomed this spring I was confident of having a good harvest this year but all the potential apples have now dropped to the ground. One still has three small fruit beginning to grow but the other has none at all. As it was pretty wet during April and early May, I wouldn't expect it to be drying out and it shouldn't be lack of pollination as the two trees are only 15 feet apart. Any suggestions?
Several things can cause this. Here is more information that can help: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/node/889