|
Choosing
a fruit tree: Tree
Forms
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Maiden
Trees
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This
is a one year old tree, ‘a whip’, although some varieties
are sold as ‘feathered maidens’ as they produce laterals
in their first year. These laterals coming from the main stem
can be used to form an early branch system if they are well
placed. All trained trees can be developed from a maiden. Remember
that a younger tree’s growth will often quickly catch up
with that of an older one as its roots establish more quickly.
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2 year old Bushes
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A
two year old tree with a short trunk of approximately 60cm (2ft).
They have about five main branches forming a goblet shape. Fruiting
spurs or laterals will form along these branches.
|
Half Standards
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Have
approximately a 1.2-1.5m (4ft) trunk before the main branches
break as with a bush.
| Fruit |
Rootstock |
| Apple |
MM106 |
| Plum |
SJA |
| Pear |
QA |
| Cherry |
COLT |
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Standards
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Have
a 1.8-2.2m (6ft) trunk before the main branches break. The
traditional large orchard tree grown on a very vigorous rootstock.
These will need collecting from Brogdale as they are too
tall to package.
| Fruit |
Rootstock |
| Apple |
M25 |
| Pear |
PYC |
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Cordons
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Used
to train apples or pears either vertically or obliquely (at
45°), depending on the rootstock. A cordon has a single
straight stem with fruiting spurs along its whole length.
They require regular pruning, and the permanent support of
a wire system between posts or on a wall or fence. An excellent
way to grow a number of different varieties in a small space
as they can be spaced between 75-90cm (2½-3ft) apart
depending on soil quality.
| Fruit |
Rootstock |
| Apple |
M9 |
| Pear |
QC |
*
see note below.
|
Stepover
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A
single tier of branches trained along canes or a wire approximately
30-60cm (1-2ft) high and parallel with the ground. Pruned to
create fruiting spurs along its whole length. Rootstocks used
which will control their ultimate spread are M27, M9, M26 for
apples, and QA/QC for pears.
* see note below. |
Espalier
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Is a way of training apples and pears into a multi-layered
tree of branches running parallel to the ground. With usually
three or four tiers of fruiting spurs running the branches
length, they may grow to a height and spread of 2.5-3m (8-10ft)
and 3.5m (12ft) respectively. They require the support of
wires positioned for each tier and regular pruning.
| Fruit |
Rootstock |
| Apple |
MM106 |
| Pear |
QA |
*
see note below. |
Fans
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Many
different fruits, apples, pears, plums, cherries, apricots,
peaches, and nectarines can be fan-trained. Wires are used
to attach the canes on which the branches are trained. Two
main branches are positioned parallel to the ground with numerous
branches radiating from them to create a fan shape. Fruiting
spurs form along the length of the branches.
| Fruit |
Rootstock |
| Apple |
MM106 |
| Apricot |
SJA |
| Nectarines |
SJA |
| Peaches |
SJA |
| Pears |
QA |
| Plums |
SJA |
| Cherries |
COLT |
*
see note below.
|
*
Note: Trained trees such as ‘stepovers’, ‘espaliers’,
and ‘fans’ are available in limited numbers from Brogdale,
prices and availability on application. Unfortunately it is not
possible to despatch these trees by courier due to their weight,
size and fragile habit. Local deliveries will be considered.
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