Uses for Crabapples?? Found a tree on our naturewalk

I’m so glad this went well for you.  We have crabapples next to our bridge.  I think we’ll do the same.  What time of day are you going?  It’s still 100 + here and, quite frankly, none of us want to go outside until after 7 pm. 

we grow ornamental/landscape trees for a living and my husband’s degree is in horticulture, so I am very thankful for the vast plant and insect knowledge floating around my house! That to say, when I think crabapples I think deer – they LOVE them. Many of our customers buy crabapples specifically for the purpose of attracting deer (for hunting). They make beautiful specimin trees as well, they are one of my favorite flowering trees, I really like how gnarly the branch structure can get. But with Fall approaching (well, somewhat) keep your eye out for deer signs near those trees (tracks, rubs on the trunk, nibbled on fruit, etc.). Another of their favorites is a persimmon, so that may be one to keep an eye out for as well. Both of these trees have very sour fruit and my oldest son does love them – we don’t let him eat too many, but he doesn’t seem to mind his mouth being drawn right up. I have heard that they make good jelly (most sour fruits do), but I haven’t tried it myself. I’ll ask my husband if he has anything else exciting about this tree to add and if you have any specific questions, please ask. The place you found sounds wonderful – how nice for your and your children!

I used to just compost the crab apples from our tree until my in-laws from Russia moved in with us.  Turns out you can bake with them just the way you would use other apples.  I was sick for having thrown so many out.  I now make pies, cakes, compotes, dried apples, you name it.  We don’t even peel them.