[RookieJim]

Morning All,

I've been having a look at some dwarf apple trees to put on the plot, but I have no experience of growing them (or anything else for that matter).

Does anyone have any dwarf trees on the plot or offer any advice on which ones to buy, from where, and how to look after them.

I've not idea how high they grow and I'm concerned about shading 

Cheers
Jim

[leelee]

Hi Jim, I bought Scrumptious and it is doing well, only the first year though. I was trying to find an article about what the codes for the rootstock means but as always I can't find it!!  Have a look on Crocus website they show clearly the overall size, I think my apple was on a rootstock M27

[mumofstig]

rootstocks explained here -
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_september_2a_apple.asp

You can choose to train them on wires or as free standing trees - trees on wires are easier to manage IMO. Some info here
http://www.orangepippintrees.co.uk/articles/fruit-tree-fans-and-espaliers

[carlrmj]

 Hi Jim ,I bought 2  Braeburn apple trees  from garden bargains( web site) last Feb .

 I had about 40 apples this year  between the two.

 They are grafted onto a rootstock that limits their height to about 7ft,.

 I bought them as a special deal 1 Morello cherry,1 Victoria plum ,1 Conference pear and 1   Braeburn apple  for  39.99 pounds.

I think they sell apple trees on there own if thats all you want.

 I have 2 (8 in total) of  each in an area 18 ft of 6ft

 Cheers Carl

[SG6]

For a dwarf tree then you need something like an M27 rootstock, the tree will get to about 6-7 feet high. If it is a triploid variety then a bit bigger.

An M9 rootstock will produce one of about 8-9 feet.

Many places will have a selection of varieties, try Keepers Nursery for a good range.

M27 and M9 will both need staking.

[Yorkie]

Have you double checked your tenancy that you're allowed trees?  Some sites don't allow them.