Thanks for typing that up Liquidsquid.

Just the opposite of my (and neighbors') experiences. So, as usual, I believe the most accurate answer is ... it depends!

My soils at the farm are sandy, and are actually too sandy in many places to be considered "good soils"

I don't have any crabapples at the farm, but we do have some in our yard in the city. Those things are hardy as can be for our generally tough tree conditions. Perhaps I should start a few at the farm property this spring?