how many apple trees?

[j-bird]

Only advice I will give is plant them in clusters of at least 3 to help will pollinating and plant them higher in elevation and where they will get full sun and as much air flow as possible. Start small and expand as your time and budget allow. IF I plan on a new area I plan on at least 3 - in an area where I have them already I can add as I desire.

 

[Buckly]

What state are you in? Vermont
Any bear around?

No, never been to Vermont. I'm in NY and there are quite a few bears here. I have some theories as to why they don't ruin the trees much. There is lots of corn in these parts and the bears pretty much live in it until it's all cut which is mid to late October. That helps keep them off the trees, and also there are just so many apples everywhere that a bear can eat apples on the ground anywhere, at any time and they don't have to get into the trees. There are just thousands and thousands of apples trees literally. Around December they are heading for hibernation because our winters are not friendly. So I think a combination of all these things keep the apples somewhat protected from bears. I'll keep my fingers crossed though.