METHODS
Twenty-six communities in Pennsylvania and 1 in Maryland planted the trees represented in this report. Three of the communities had 2 tests planted in different years. Community representatives chose
the planting sites with assistance by utility foresters, service foresters, and Extension urban foresters; 2 of these usually assisted each community. Each test planting consisted of 2 cultivars, except in Dundalk, Maryland, where there were 3, and the second test in Mansfield where there was 1. A typical test consisted of 2 cultivars planted alternately within 4 to 10 plots that could contain 4 to 16 trees each a total of 50 trees. All test trees were planted along streets and under electric conductors; the utility company arranged for removal of large trees that interfered with utility lines. Both cultivars for a community were ordered B&B from the same nursery, with a caliper of 4.4 or 5.1 cm (1.75 or 2 in.); heights ranged from 2.4 to 3.7 m (8 to 12 ft). The cultivar tests were planted between 1987 and 1996. A trained cooperator inspected and measured the trees annually during the first 3 years, and then at 3-year intervals. During September or October, a service forester or Extension urban forester used standardized methods to measure tree height, trunk diameter at breast height (dbh), and crown width, and to classify foliage health, branch health, trunk health, maintenance needs, and an overall quality rating). Causes of damage such as disease, insects, drought, and mechanical injuries also were recorded. [3]
-- Read the rest of this abstract at: CRABAPPLE CULTIVARS TESTED AS STREET TREES: SECOND REPORT .pdf

Adirondack Crabapple requires very little pruning but any that is needed should be completed before late spring, to ensure dormant flower buds are not removed. Trees used as street trees should be trained to develop a central trunk and should be occasionally thinned to eliminate water sprouts or crossed-branches, and to open up the crown. This allows for better air circulation through the crown and helps reduce disease.

Crabapples are also useful as median trees where the fruit will fall away from pedestrians. Placed in the lawn area as an accent so they receive occasional irrigation, Crabapple will give you years of wonderful flowers and showy fruit. It is best to locate them away from a patio or other hard surface so the fruits will not fall and cause a mess. Set it back just far enough so the crown will not overhang the walk, but close enough so the flowers and fruit can be enjoyed. American Masterpiece grows in moist, well-drained, acid soil in full sun locations for best flowering. They are not recommended for sandy soil due to their inability to tolerate drought, but any other soil is suitable, including clay. Crabapples grow well in the Texas panhandle but are not extremely drought tolerant and are not well suited for high pH soil. [1]