Tree advice for beginner please?

[Paul79]

I'm in the process of turning a great big plot of neglected land into a decent garden, and part of doing that has to be the inclusion of loads of fruit trees!

As a beginer, I know precious little about planting out, spacing and pruning of trees.

I've ordered the trees I want on the rootstocks i want, a dozen trees in all: apple, pear, cherry, mirabelle, greengage, plum.

My quetion is, where would be the best place to plant them?

At the far end of the garden, there is lots of space, but the soil is very sandy, and nearer the house we have very rich soil but limited space. Which would be best? Or does it matter much as long as the trees are fed?

Cheers

[Kristen]

Personally I would put them away from the house, because I think that Veg, cut flowers and Orchard are the "industrial zones" of the garden. I would prefer to have lawn, Roses and Borders near to the house.

I don't know about planting, spacing or pruning of fruit trees. But I would give thought to irrigation - which might make further away from the house more of an issue? (I don't know how much irrigation they will need after the inevitable first year or two to help the, get established). I would also bury some 2" perforated irrigation pipe (comes on a roll) in a circle around the root ball, and leave one end sticking up above the surface - stick the hose down that until it is full and that will gently deliver water to the roots and encourage them to go downwards (whereas surface watering will encourage them to shallow root )

If you are planning to train them along wires etc. I think that can make a very nice screen - e.g. between flower garden and veg garden.

I also think that compost (manure, whatever) in the sandy soil will offset the fact that the land is lighter. Fruit trees aren't cheap, so spending a reasonable amount on the planting is only helping to maximise your investment!!