The characteristics of nitrogen absorption, utilization and distribution of seven year old ‘Gala’ apple trees (Malus domestica)/Malus hupehensis was studied by the ¹⁵N-labelled urea application in soil in early spring. The results show that the Ndff is the highest in fine roots, and then in thick roots at the full-bloom stage. During the shoot rapid-growing and fruit rapid-expanding stages, the Ndff of new organs is higher than that of the storage organs. After the fruits are harvested, the Ndff of thick roots and fine roots is higher than that of the above-ground storage organs, and that of new organs  is the lowest. These results indicate absorption of the trees is transferred to the storage organs. The characteristics of ¹⁵N distribution are different at the different phenophases. At the full-bloom stage, ¹⁵N absorption of the trees is mainly distributed to roots. At the shoot rapid-growing and fruit rapid-expanding stages, ¹⁵N distribution ratio to roots is decreased continuously, and ¹⁵N absorption of the trees is mainly distributed to new organs. At the maturity stage, fruit organs are the main destinations of ¹⁵N. After the fruits are harvested, ¹⁵N absorption of the trees is transferred back to the storage organs. The utilization ratio of the N fertilizer is improved gradually with the growth and development of the trees. After the fruits are harvested, the utilization ratio is 27.540%.