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Apple tree advice

I want to plant 3-4 different Apple trees. The main purpose will be to create a border to make a section of the garden private, they will be trained into an espeliar style shape. This section of the garden gets a lot of sun light. 

Secondly, it would be great if the fruits could be used to brew a cider. So a tree with bitter apples and the rest sweet apples would be perfect.

To make it even harder the trees should grow at a similar rate to around 8 foot to keep a uniformed look. 

Any advice? Or where to start!!

Posts

  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410

    Some of the online nursery sites (keepers, ashridge, orangepippin etc) are great - they give you everything you need to know about compatible trees - you will need to choose ones from similar pollination groups - and what sort of rootstocks to choose for what you need - ie 8 foot espaliers.

    Its also worth looking out for apple tasting days local to you, so you can try before you buy image.  They are normally held late Sept/early Oct.  we live in surrey and went to one at West Dean and one at Wisley.

    Good luck - sounds a great project image

  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511

    Unless you live in an isolated place or a very urban area there are probably apple trees in the vicinity so I wouldn't worry too much about pollination groups. Go for what you like. Autumn is the perfect time of year for visiting an apple tasting event. You can pick up a lot of technical info from some fruit tree nurseries' websites.

    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • Thanks guy's. Very helpful! 

  • Orange Pippin even stock a range of specialist cider apple trees 

    https://www.orangepippintrees.co.uk/cider-apple-trees 

    image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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