In order to increase the livability and survival rate of young apple trees in the loess hilly and gully areas of Northern Shaanxi Province

soil physical properties and young apple tree growth were monitored by the three treatments of soil preparation by digging hole before rainy season

after rainy season

and in spring. Results showed that soil bulk density was decreased and soil total porosity and soil non-capillary porosity were increased after soil preparation by digging hole. For the treatment of soil preparation by digging hole before rainy season

soil moisture was increased in spring and tree growth prophase period ; soil temperature difference between daily max-temperature and daily min-temperature was decreased; tree livability was increased ; and tree growth was promoted. However

for the treatments of soil preparation by digging hole after rainy season and in spring

soil moisture was decreased ; soil temperature difference was increased ; tree livability was reduced ; tree growth was weakened ; ground subsidence depth was deepened in plant year ;branch water content was reduced in the winter and spring ; branch shriveling index was increased ; and tree survival rate was decreased. Soil preparation by digging hole before rainy season is suggested when apple trees were planted in the loess hilly and gully area of Northern Shaanxi Province.