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Which Apple Tree?

  • 24-01-2012 02:05PM
    #1
    treefan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭


    Hi Im about to fence off two field corners and plant some apple trees for screening, wildlife etc.

    What would be the most suitable for clay, well drained soil? Its in East Galway.
    I would prefer native..

    Also would anyone know what age is best to buy?

    thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    Ellian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 301 ✭✭Ellian


    treefan wrote: »
    Hi Im about to fence off two field corners and plant some apple trees for screening, wildlife etc.

    What would be the most suitable for clay, well drained soil? Its in East Galway.
    I would prefer native..

    Also would anyone know what age is best to buy?

    thanks!

    I don't know a huge amount about apple trees, but we have a Spartan, a Braeburn and a Bedwyn Beauty (local variety - I live in Wiltshire) My soil probably has more chalk in it than yours, but they all do okay - the Spartan in particular gives a good yield. But having said that my neighbours on both sides also have apple trees so there are a total of about 15 over three gardens, and I am pretty sure that is a factor as much as the soil - aren't apples cross pollinators? Assuming here that you would actually like some apples for your efforts.


  • #3
    Oldtree
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,109 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    It really depends on why you are planting them, for eating, for show, for flowers, for wildlife, native apple trees?

    If it is for eating then I would suggest you need to taste the apple before you plant it.

    You soil sounds ok for most apples. Most clay soils have sufficient nutrients for most trees.

    below are links to 2 mail order suppliers that I have used in the past and have had no problems with. 1 is future forests the other seed savers for native collection. Seed savers bareroot sell out quick every year so if you want one of theirs you may have to wait till next year

    http://www.futureforests.net/br_fruit.htm

    http://store.irishseedsavers.ie/Organic_Apple_Trees_s/87.htm

    I would be inclined to get bareroot as against potted plants as they will preform better and you can see the health of the root system. Also a big root system will help get the plant off to a good start so go for 2 year old trees if poss.

    Root stock choice is also important depending on growing site

    http://www.orangepippin.com/resources/general/apple-rootstocks

    cross pollination is an issue so have a look here for a guideline. There are a number of different flowering times so you need plants from the same group or adjacent groups. Ask when you have decided what varities you want to make sure.

    http://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/Apple-Tree-Pollination

    Always good to have a native crab apple thrown in for good measure.


  • #4
    greenfingers89
    Closed Accounts Posts: 262 ✭✭greenfingers89


    Oldtree wrote: »
    2 mail order suppliers that I have used in the past and have had no problems with. 1 is future forests .

    id also have no hesitation in recommending future forests


  • #5
    treefan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭treefan


    thanks for your replies..I'll check out those links


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