Choosing the right rootstock for your apple and pear trees
Ever since the Romans, we've been grafting fruit tree varieties onto 'rootstocks'.
Which rootstock to choose?
Nowadays we have a standard set of rootstocks, with different numbered names. Different ones determine how big the tree will get. We do the grafting here, and grow the tree, and then you choose a tree on the rootstock to suit the size of tree you'd like.
Rootstock varieties from our apple and pear tree nursery
There are many different rootstocks available. Here at Tyn y Berllan we have chosen to graft our trees onto rootstocks that will create medium and large trees. These are most appropriate to our climate and the needs of most of our customers, and they will give the longest-living trees.
Our apple tree rootstock choices:
- M26 - semi-dwarfing. 2.5m - 3.5m high
A great tree for the garden or orchard, growing to a pickable size and not too big. It's a great choice for trained fruit trees like espaliers and cordons too. The trees start fruiting after 2 or 3 years. They should be planted around 4m apart and staked permanently.
- M116 – Medium. 3.5m+ high
Very similar to the more common MM106 rootstock, producing the same amount of fruit on a very slightly smaller tree. This rootstock is more tolerant of wetter soil so great if you have that. It starts fruiting after 3 or 4 years and needs staking for the first 5 years. Space the trees 4-6m apart.
- MM106 – Semi vigorous. 3.5m+ high
A very popular choice, great for larger gardens, smallholdings and orchards. Trees grow to a fairly-large size but still good for harvesting. Space the trees 4-6m apart. It starts fruiting after 3-4 years and needs staking for the first 5 years.
- M25 – Very vigorous. 5m up to 8m+ high
A very large trees that will live a long time. Big and beautiful with lots of biodiversity value, they are great for large plantings or tougher conditions, but unsuited to smaller gardens. Space the trees 6-9m apart and stake for the first 5 years. Trees will start fruiting after 5-6 years.
Our pear trees are grafted using:
- Pyrus Kirchensaller - Very vigorous. 6m+ high
Space trees 8-10m apart. Ideal for tradition orchards. Although slower into cropping – from around 7-8 years - the fruit will be high quality.
- Quince A - Semi vigorous. Approx 4m high
Space trees 4-6m apart. Perfect for fan-trained trees and espaliers. Starts fruiting 5-6 years.
- Pyrodwarf - Vigorous. Approx 5m high
Space trees 6-8m apart. Very tough rootstock producing good quality uniform fruit after around 4-5 years.
Buy apple trees online
Head back to the shop to choose your trees.
Or if you'd like any more help, just contact us here.
