How do you plant an apple tree?

Can I safely plant an apple tree roughly 10-12 feet from the trunk of a large spruce tree?

• The new tree would be directly east of the pine, Although the Spruce is large, I don't believe blocked light for either tree will be much of an issue as the new tree will be completely open to sunlight on the east south and most of the west side. The spruce tree is quite tall, perhaps 50 feet, with branch width at the base of roughly 6 to 8 feet, so the apple would be about 3 feet from the nearest branches, and because of the different shapes, the trees wouldn't collide. The new apple tree would be fairly mature, with a 2" trunk. Will there be a problem with the roots interacting/killing each other? Does the spruce poison the soil near bye?

• Answer:

  Generally the roots of the tree extend about as far as the branches do so if there is overlap in the canopy, there will be contention at the roots. This means water and nutrients will be a concern. You can expect that the trees will have less growth on the sides where they face each other too. It will be best to keep them as far apart as you can. Spruce needles shouldn't be a big problem for the other tree as far as I know.