Cookie Policy
Cookie Policy
Last Updated: August 26, 2026
AppleTreeGuide (“AppleTreeGuide,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates https://appletreeguide.com (the “Website”).
This Cookie Policy explains how cookies and similar technologies may be used when you visit or interact with AppleTreeGuide.
This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website may store on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other device when you visit the website.
Cookies can allow a website to remember information about your visit, support website functionality, improve performance, understand how visitors use the website, and provide other features.
Other technologies, including pixels, tags, local storage, and similar technologies, may perform functions similar to cookies. In this policy, we may refer to these technologies collectively as “cookies and similar technologies.”
2. How AppleTreeGuide Uses Cookies
AppleTreeGuide may use cookies and similar technologies for purposes including:
- Supporting essential WordPress functionality;
- Maintaining website security;
- Supporting contact forms and other website features;
- Remembering certain preferences;
- Understanding how visitors use the Website;
- Measuring traffic and Website performance;
- Improving our content and user experience; and
- Supporting services integrated into the Website.
The specific cookies used on AppleTreeGuide may change when WordPress, plugins, analytics services, or other Website technologies are added, removed, updated, or reconfigured.
3. Types of Cookies
Essential Cookies
Some cookies may be necessary for the Website to operate properly.
These may support core WordPress functionality, security, navigation, forms, or other essential Website functions.
Disabling certain essential cookies may affect the functionality of the Website.
Functional and Preference Cookies
Certain cookies or similar technologies may be used to support functionality or remember preferences.
The specific technologies used for these purposes depend on the current configuration of AppleTreeGuide and its plugins.
Analytics Cookies
AppleTreeGuide uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the Website and to measure traffic and Website performance.
Google Analytics 4 uses first-party cookies to distinguish users and sessions. Google currently documents the following standard GA4 cookies:
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Default expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | 2 years |
_ga_<container-id> | Google Analytics | Maintains session state | 2 years |
Google notes that actual cookie lifespans may be affected by browser limitations and that cookie settings can be customized.
Google Analytics may also collect information such as the number of users, session statistics, approximate geographic information, browser information, and device information.
The actual cookies and settings used by AppleTreeGuide may differ from Google’s defaults depending on our Google Analytics configuration.
4. Google Analytics
AppleTreeGuide uses Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors interact with the Website.
We may use Analytics information to:
- Measure Website traffic;
- Understand which content is useful to visitors;
- Identify technical or usability problems;
- Improve Website content and navigation; and
- Evaluate overall Website performance.
Google Analytics may use first-party cookies such as _ga and _ga_<container-id> as described above.
Google Analytics also provides configuration options that can change cookie expiration and related settings.
If AppleTreeGuide later connects Google Analytics with Google Ads or enables additional advertising-related features, additional cookies or technologies may be used. This Cookie Policy will be updated as appropriate when our services and configuration change.
5. WordPress and Website Plugins
AppleTreeGuide uses WordPress and third-party plugins to operate the Website.
Some WordPress functions or plugins may use cookies or similar technologies.
WPForms
AppleTreeGuide uses WPForms for contact forms.
WPForms states that its paid versions can use a user cookie containing a randomly generated UUID for certain features, including Related Entries, Geolocation, and Form Abandonment. WPForms also provides an option to disable these user cookies. WPForms Lite does not use the user cookies described in its documentation.
Because the cookies used by WPForms depend on the version and features enabled on AppleTreeGuide, we do not list a specific WPForms cookie as being active unless it is confirmed in our Website configuration.
WPForms also explains that form-entry data can be stored on the WordPress website depending on the form’s configuration.
MailPoet
AppleTreeGuide uses MailPoet to manage newsletter subscriptions and email communications.
The cookies and technologies associated with MailPoet can depend on the features and services enabled on the Website.
MailPoet states that its standard WordPress plugins do not collect user data unless certain optional data-sharing features are enabled. Its separate MailPoet Sending Service involves additional processing when that service is used.
For this reason, we do not claim that a specific MailPoet cookie is active on AppleTreeGuide unless it has been confirmed through the Website’s actual configuration.
6. Third-Party Services
Some third-party services integrated into AppleTreeGuide may use cookies or similar technologies.
Third-party services may include analytics, email, security, hosting, embedded content, or other services.
The third-party services used by AppleTreeGuide may change over time.
Third parties may process information according to their own privacy policies and terms.
7. Managing Cookies
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings.
Depending on your browser, you may be able to:
- View stored cookies;
- Delete existing cookies;
- Block cookies;
- Allow cookies only from certain websites; or
- Receive a notification before cookies are stored.
Browser settings vary by browser and device.
Please be aware that blocking or deleting certain cookies may affect the functionality of AppleTreeGuide.
8. Cookie Consent
Where applicable law requires consent before certain cookies or similar technologies are used, AppleTreeGuide will use appropriate consent mechanisms.
Cookies or similar technologies that are necessary for the operation, security, or functionality of the Website may be used where permitted by applicable law.
Where a consent mechanism is provided, your choices may be stored so that the Website can remember your preferences.
9. Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” setting.
There is no universally accepted technical standard requiring websites to respond to Do Not Track signals in the same way.
AppleTreeGuide does not necessarily respond to every browser-specific Do Not Track signal.
Where applicable law requires us to recognize a particular privacy signal, we will comply with the requirements that apply to us.
10. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy when our Website, plugins, analytics services, advertising services, or cookie practices change.
When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the beginning of this page.
We recommend reviewing this page periodically for the latest information.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies and similar technologies, please contact:
Owen Mercer
AppleTreeGuide
Email: contact@appletreeguide.com
Website: https://appletreeguide.com