{"product_id":"mcintosh-apple-tree","title":"McIntosh Apple Tree","description":"\u003ch1 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eMalus domestica 'McIntosh'\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe McIntosh apple is a beloved, iconic cultivar celebrated for its crisp, juicy texture and distinctive, sweet-tart flavor profile. Renowned for its classic aromatic quality and bright, crimson-and-green skin, this cold-hardy tree brings both nostalgic charm and heavy-yielding harvests to the orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eAs spring warms the landscape, the tree erupts in a canopy of fragrant, snowy-white blossoms that attract early-season pollinators. By late summer, these flowers develop into medium-sized, round fruits that are perfect for fresh eating, baking, or crafting homemade cider. With its reliable production and vigorous growth, the McIntosh stands as a cornerstone of traditional apple growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe Ecological Footprint\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePollinator Haven:\u003c\/b\u003e A vital resource for honeybees and native orchard bees during the early spring bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Seasonal Feast:\u003c\/b\u003e Produces a reliable crop of nutrient-dense fruit that sustains local wildlife and humans alike in late summer and autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGarden Biodiversity:\u003c\/b\u003e Encourages a healthier garden ecosystem by attracting beneficial insects that aid in pest management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLandscape Structure:\u003c\/b\u003e Offers a sturdy, deciduous framework that provides cooling shade in the summer and allows for winter sunlight penetration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe Honest Harvest (What to Expect)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Perks:\u003c\/b\u003e Exceptional cold hardiness, consistent annual yields, and a classic flavor that is highly versatile for culinary use. It is relatively straightforward to manage for both hobbyist and home orchardists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Caveats:\u003c\/b\u003e Requires a pollination partner (another apple variety) for maximum fruit set. It can be susceptible to certain fungal issues if airflow is restricted, so proper pruning is essential. It performs best in cooler climates and may struggle in extreme, prolonged heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/b\u003e Malus domestica 'McIntosh'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/b\u003e McIntosh Apple, Mac Apple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/b\u003e 12-20 feet (depending on rootstock)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Width:\u003c\/b\u003e 12-20 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate (12-18 inches per year)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e 30-50+ years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUSDA Zones:\u003c\/b\u003e 3-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eChill Hours:\u003c\/b\u003e 700-900 hours\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSun Preference:\u003c\/b\u003e Full sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Well-drained, fertile loamy soil; avoids heavy, waterlogged clay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/b\u003e Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate; consistent moisture required during fruit development\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/b\u003e White\/Pale Pink; mid-spring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFruit Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Medium, red\/green apple; late summer to early autumn\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePollinators:\u003c\/b\u003e Requires cross-pollination (e.g., Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/b\u003e Spreading, open canopy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/b\u003e 15-20 feet apart for healthy air circulation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,17,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,17,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLandscape Uses:\u003c\/b\u003e Home orchards, espalier, edible landscaping, cider production\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,18,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,18,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaintenance Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate (requires regular pruning and monitoring)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHydration:\u003c\/b\u003e Saturate the planting area thoroughly before setting the tree into the ground, and maintain consistent moisture during its initial establishment phase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSiting:\u003c\/b\u003e Choose a location that receives full sun and has excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot—areas with good air movement are ideal to keep the foliage healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMulching:\u003c\/b\u003e Apply a thick 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to lock in ground moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the main trunk to prevent bark decay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eEstablishment:\u003c\/b\u003e Ensure the tree receives regular, deep waterings during its first two growing seasons, especially during dry spells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePruning:\u003c\/b\u003e To promote a strong structure and maximum fruit yield, prune annually in late winter while the tree is dormant, removing dead or crossing branches to open up the center of the canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFertilization:\u003c\/b\u003e Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost in early spring, just as the buds begin to swell, to support healthy growth and fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ATM Gardens","offers":[{"title":"1-2ft","offer_id":51668906836263,"sku":"ST90Q1","price":45.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-3ft","offer_id":51668906869031,"sku":"ST90Q2","price":54.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3-4ft","offer_id":51668906901799,"sku":"ST90Q3","price":64.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/9094\/0711\/files\/PLANT_TEMPLATE_ATMG_8b99ebcf-2b1b-491e-9a81-db53d3bed1dc.png?v=1784322444","url":"https:\/\/atmgardens.com\/products\/mcintosh-apple-tree","provider":"ATM Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}