When you get your young trees to plant out (you need to order trees by the end of August each year) you need to know how to prune and shape your tees in the ‘vase’ shape. You will have to sacrifice some fruit in the first 3-4 years so all growth goes into getting your tree frame established.

Trees can also be grown along a fence or wires in espalier, fan or cordon shapes. This is a good system if you don’t have much room. Most apples are grafted on dwarf or semi dwarf rootstock. And some peaches, apricots and nectarines are also now available on dwarf rootstock .