Top tips for trees, courtesy of the KATA

Trees are wonderful things. By reading this advice before you start digging you will ensure that not only do you have the right tree for your plot, but also that your tree doesn’t become a nuisance for your fellow plotholders.

Your tenancy agreement states where trees need to be positioned on your plot. Fruit trees come with different rootstocks which determine the ultimate height and spread:



M27, this is the most dwarfing rootstock. HT 5ft/1.5m, needs permanent stake, watering, feeding and kept weed free. Can provide 5kg of fruit, ideal if you want several varieties as can be planted 1 metre apart. Can be difficult to grow if conditions are not perfect.



M9, slightly more vigorous. HT 7ft/2m, needs permanent stake, watering, feeding and kept weed free. Better choice than M27 as more forgiving. Can be pruned as cordon, espalier or step over. Good choice if grown well.



M26, good all round tree HT 8ft/2.4m, can be pruned as cordon, espalier or half-standard. Needs planting minimum 6ft/1.8m from any path.



MM106, HT 13ft/4m, vigorous half-standard orchard tree needs planting 9ft/2.7m from any path. Ladders needed for picking apples.



M25, HT 18ft/6m, standard orchard tree not suitable for an allotment.



Pears grown on quince C rootstock most suitable for an allotment. HT 8ft/2.4m, needs planting minimum 6ft/1.8m from any path.



Sweet Cherry on dwarfing rootstock "Gisela" best for an allotment, consider keeping it compact like a fan so that it can be netted otherwise the birds will eat them before you. Self pollinating variety needed if only growing one.