Questions & Answers
On this page we will answer a number of often asked questions. These will be added to over time.
|
Ordering
![]() - Are their other ways to order?
Yes. By using requesting our paper catalogue and posting the order form, by phoning 01905 841587, printing an order form from the 'How to order' page and posting.
- Do I have to be in to receive my trees?
No. If you can describe a safe place, we can ask the carrier to leave it there.
|
Receiving trees
![]() - Do I have to plant my trees soon as I receive them.
We advise planting within two or three days of receiving (or collecting). They will arrive in a cardboard carton with damp roots inside a polythene bag. Immediately place the carton out of the sun and wind. They will be alright like this up to 2/3 days, but try to plant ASAP.
To prepare mark and clear the site to be planted, have compost / soil improver / stake(s) on site if using. Do not dig holes in advance to save time, if it rains the hole may act as a sump and become very messy.
- Do I have to be in to receive my trees?
No. If you can describe a safe place, we can ask the carrier to leave it there.
|
Growing
![]() - I would like to grow fruit trees along a wall or fence which varieties are suitable for this?
Apples and Pears can be grown as cordons or espaliers. Plums and Cherries are usually grown as fans, which is a little more intricate.
Most of the apples we supply are spur bearers and are ideal for this type of training. A few are tip bearing or partial tip bearers ie Worcester Pearmain and will not fruit or will bear a reduced amount of fruit because of the pruning that has to be done in late summer. The suitability of each variety for cordons or espaliers is detailed in the catalogue in 'further details' on each variety.
For apples select rootstock MM106 or M26 for more restricted sites.
The Pear, Plum & Cherry varieties are all alright for restricted training
|
Grafting Service
 We offer a grafting service. If you wish to propagate fruit tree - perhaps an old tree is declining, you wish a variety that we do not grow, an existing tree is special and you would like another - we may well be able to help.
Grafting is done late February / early March with successful trees being available from October / November onwards. The cost is £25 per tree, £12.50 on grafting and the balance on collection. It is more expensive than our usual trees because of the individual nature of the work.
If you are interested please contact us by phone or e-mail to discuss, we can send or e-mail further details and place you on a list to be contacted near grafting time.
|
Pest & diseases
![]() As with all plants fruit trees can suffer from insect damage or fungal attack. Here we raise a few of the common problems and offer organic control measures.
Some of the leaves of my apple tree are curling up in early summer, what is this?
This is likely to be Rosy Apple Aphid. Grey aphids will be seen when a curled leaf is uncurled. Control is important in the early years of a trees life otherwise its growth will become distorted. Organically control with an insecticidal soap ie Savona available from good garden centres or the Organic Gardening Catalogue.
|
Mildew
 Mildew is affecting some of the shoots on my apple tree. Should I do anything?
Ideally prune out as this will reduce the pressure on other parts of the tree and others in the area.
TO BE DEVELOPED
|
|
