What are the points you should take into account when it comes to choosing fruit trees? It is a question we are often asked, and here are just some of the factors you might want to consider:

Final Height of the Tree
The final height of the tree is often determined by the rootstock that it has been grafted onto. Varieties are available that range from very dwarf (between 1.5 and 2.0 metres in final height) up to vigorous (3.5 to 4.0 metres), depending upon the category of fruit.

Pollination
Peaches, nectarines and apricots are all self-fertile, as are many varieties of plum, damson and cherry, so pollination and fruiting will not normally pose a problem.

On the other hand, apples and pears often need a pollinator to encourage fruiting. Most suburban situations offer generous supplies of pollen due to the close proximity of other gardens, but if the fruit tree you select does need a pollinator, you should choose to plant a partner for it nearby that belongs to the same or neighbouring flowering group.

Soil and Site Conditions
Fruit trees will tolerate most types of soil, but a deep, loamy, well-drained soil is best. They will rarely thrive in heavy clay, rocky soil or soil with low levels of fertility.

Cherries perform particularly well on chalky soils but most fruit trees prefer a neutral soil. Some varieties, such as apricots, peaches and nectarines, require some shelter from frost and thrive best when grown under cover or on a warm south-facing wall.

A very open, windy site is not ideal because the blossom can be blown off before pollination occurs.

Feeding
Fruit trees need feeding at the end of February in order to crop well.

• Nitrogen promotes foliage and vigorous growth; dessert apples
  need less than cooking apples and pears, while plums and cherries appreciate more.
• Phosphorus promotes healthy growth and fruit.
• Potassium is necessary for good fruit colour, flavour, hardiness and fruit bud development.

How much feeding fruit trees need depends on the soil and can be adjusted depending on growth, cropping and soil analysis. An annual mulch of bulky organic matter after applying the fertiliser will benefit trees by reducing water loss and suppressing weeds, as well as providing some nutrients. Bulky organic materials include well rotted stable or farmyard manure, leaf mould and garden compost.

Pruning
Most fruit trees benefit from regular light pruning. Little and often is the rule of thumb to keep in mind. Some varieties of apple and all
medlars and quinces are “tip bearers” and should not be pruned except to remove whole branches which are very old, damaged or
diseased.

Apples and pears can be pruned at any time of the year.This is generally done in the late autumn or winter but summer pruning is particularly effective in controlling growth and containing the tree size. Cherry trees along with apricot, damson, gage, nectarine, peach and plum should only be pruned lightly in the summer to avoid disease problems.

Pest and Disease
Aphids can be a problem on many fruit trees, often attacking new growth. Apples and pears are prone to fungal diseases such as mildew and scab, especially in hot weather, but will not affect tree growth or fruit development. Stone fruits are susceptible to bacterial canker and die back which is often caused by excessive watering between leaf fall and bud burst. As with most plants, prevention is better than cure! Keeping your young trees well watered and weed-free in its first year will get it off to a good start. A strong, healthy tree can fight off most diseases. If you are keen to prevent fungal diseases, use an approved fungicide once the tree comes into leaf and then at two-week intervals avoiding blossom time due to bee activity. Pesticides should be used sparingly and only if necessary.

What varieties of fruit tree do we stock?
We carry many types of fruit tree, and also different varieties of each, including Apple, Pear, Cherry, Plum, Gage, Damson, Medlar and Peach.

The best way to determine what is available is to visit us, but do also check the catalogue listing under our Plants section.

Most of our stock is based upon 2-year-old trees in 12 litre pots. We have a few in larger 20 litre containers which are a year older, and during the dormant season we will also have a stock of bare root trees.

We often stock a selection of cordon, espalier and fan trained trees.

When to Plant a Fruit Tree
Generally, the best time to plant is in the late autumn and winter, before the tree comes into bud. Most of our trees are container grown and can, in theory, be planted at any time. If planted during the summer months when they are actively growing, they are unlikely to get sufficient water to thrive.
Please see our Planting and Watering Guidelines.

Recommended Reading
Growing Fruit Trees, by Bonham Bazeley (Collins)
The Fruit Expert, by Dr. D. G. Hessayon (Expert Books)
The Backyard Orchardist: Complete Guide to Growing Fruit Trees in the Home Garden, by Stella Otto.
Growing Fruit (RHS’s Encyclopedia of Practical Gardening), by Harry Baker.