Empire apple trees are a low-mainence tree that will bear fruit within 3 to five years.  A sweet to tart tasting apple that is perfect for fresh eating and cooking. Plant in full sun and the soil should be well-drained and loamy. The mature tree will be 12 to 15 feet tall and the same size in width.  These trees were bred to be disease resistant to the common apple blights of Apple Rust and Cedar Apple Rust, but they are still susceptible to winter damage and other pests. Empire apples require another apple tree to be within approx. 50 feet to permit for cross-pollination. Pollinators like bees and birds will unintentionally bring pollen from other nearby apple trees to fertilize the white blossoms. Without cross-pollination, your tree will not produce fruit.