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Size and Planting Guide

Sizes
All of the rootstocks we use for fruit trees are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and are typically the most vigorous we can find, usually producing standards. They are typically supplied as maidens - 1 year old trees.

Rootstock
Tree Types
Mature Size
M25
M106
Quince A
Brompton
Myrobalan B
Pyrus Communis
Malus Sylvestris
Avium
Apples
Apples
Quinces
Plums, Gages
Plums, Damsons
Pears
Crab Apples
Cherries
Standard (over 4.5m)
Bush Tree (3 - 4m)
Bush Tree (3.5 - 4.5m)
Standard (over 4m)
Standard (over 4.5m)
Standard (over 6m)
Standard (over 6m)
Standard (over 6m)


Standards
We do however, offer many native trees as standards, which are generally free of side branches to at least 1 metre, at which level their girth is measured in cm. As an example, an 8/10 standard has a circumference of between 8 and 10cms measured 1 metre up from the level of the soil when planted. As even trees of the same variety grow at different rates, but as a rule of thumb the majority of standard trees are their size or a little more in feet. So an 8/10 standard is generally between 8 to 11 feet tall. Usually our standards are bigger rather than smaller - an 8/10 is more likely to be 10-11 feet than 8-9 feet tall.

On Delivery
Our supplier lifts our standard trees to order, so please allow extra time - three weeks - for delivery from the time you order. If you do not plant your plants on receipt, they should be unwrapped and either heeled in or soaked in cold water for 10-15 minutes before replacing in their packaging. They should then be left in a cool frost free place before planting within 14 days. A small percentage of bare root plants will fail, but this can be considerably reduced by making sure the roots do not dry out while planting. If possible chose a frost and wind free damp day, and keep the plants in a bucket of water while planting out.

Planting
We recommend Thornhayes Nursery's guide to fruit tree care.

Take particular care when planting specimen and ornamental trees. All standard trees need a strong stake and a tree tie (2 for 10/12 standards) to prevent wind rock. You might want to buy a tree planting pack with your tree.

Planting distances are typically 6 - 8 metres for orchard trees and 2 metres for broadleaf woodland. To make a stockproof hedge, whips must be planted at 4 or 5 plants per metre in a staggered double row.

Our supplier has a comprehensive video guide to hedge planting which we recommend. Click the links to find more about the history of hedges, and on hedge laying and maintenance in our resources section.