[Runwell-Steve]

Hi

I have 5 apple trees on my allotment at the moment, I only planted them in February and they were all 1 year old maidens on Very Dwarfing rootstock.

They have grown well this year and are all looking healthy.

Due to work and other commitments I have decided to give up the allotment at the end of this year, I just don't have the time any more so am planning on bringing the apple trees home and planting them in my garden.

We have an area in our garden that is currently lawn that we don't really use,  it is only 20' x 20', and there is an 8'x6' greenhouse in there already, but this will become my new mini allotment.

The advantage of this will be my wife will be able to go out there and water and weed a bit while I am away on business, she is unable to get down the allotment.
 
I am planning on planting the trees against an existing trellis fence and training them to that. 

When do you think would be the best time to move the trees?

[Aunt Sally]

It depends on your local weather conditions but any time when the trees are completely dormant, i.e. no leaves. 

Dig them out when the soil is not frozen and take as big a root ball as you can manage.

Stake them vell in their new position and water very well in the spring and early summer. 

It might be best not to let them fruit for the first year after moving.

[Runwell-Steve]

Thanks for that, It is pretty much what I was thinking so sounds like the answer.  I'll probably wait until late November time before moving them.