Our Fruit trees

POLLINATION

The flowering periods for apples, damsons, gages, pears and plums are grouped and numbered 1-5. For successful pollination, fruit trees should be matched with a variety having the same number or an adjacent number. For example, a variety in flowering group 3 will cross-pollinate with any variety in groups 2, 3, and 4

TREE/BUSH FORMS

Maiden	Feathered Maiden	Standard	Bush (Nut)	Bush (Soft fruit)

ROOTSTOCKS

Our apples are mostly grafted onto MM106 or M111 rootstocks. This form of rootstock produces a well tried and tested half standard-size tree around 3.5 to 4.5mtre plus tall (11-15ft) with approximately a 3m spread (10ft) We have found these rootstocks suitable for a wide range of soil types and conditions, they are also if required quite suitable for training into fans cordons etc. Growth of tree depends somewhat on the variety but normally expect to start picking fruit 2-3yrs after planting a maiden sized tree.

After Care

In most situations would recommend staking and tyeing trees for first few years, to give time for root system to establish. Keep area around base of tree clear of weeds grass and other competing vegetation. Water well during hot dry spells and all types/sizes of tree would benefit from liberal dressing of organic mulsh around base of tree. (keep clear of stem/trunk)