Growing fruit is one of the joys of the allotment. if you wish to plant trees on the plot you can do so within the limitations set out in the site rules, and advice and guidance on varieties and spacing can be sought from the committee.
All plantings need to comply with Site Rules Section A9, which says that :
“Any top fruit or nut trees may only be planted as dwarf, cordon or espalier trees. Top fruit and nut trees must be regularly pruned, kept to a reasonable height and not allowed to encroach onto neighbouring plots or site paths.”
A reasonable height is considered to be not more than 8-9 foot (2.5-2.75m)
Members are strongly advised to source trees from a reputable nursery rather than DIY stores or supermarkets as the rootstock on which a tree is grafted determines its eventual size and vigour.
As conditions at site can get quite windy and cold in winter and spring, very dwarfing rootstocks may not do well, but on the other hand very vigorous ones are almost guaranteed to get too large.
Generally speaking, apples, plums, gages, pears and cherries do well at site if planted in well drained and improved ground.
On the whole, the more tender fruits such as peach, apricot and kiwi may not prosper unless given considerable protection, and possibly not even then.
Fruits and nuts which grow on their own roots such as hazel, cobb and fig and are not recommended as they are very difficult to get to fruit if pruned to an acceptable size.
See our guide to fruit tree rootstocks.
