Apple Hedge

[hutch42]

I wish to make a stepover hedge with apple's how do I go about it???

[Flummery]

You will need either a 'maiden' tree I think it's called - where there's just a single stem, and you brutally cut it off at about 18" high and then train in the 2 side shoots along stout wires at the chosen height. Or you buy a ready trained step-over tree which I did! I ordered one as a step-over - so I could see what they'd done - and one as a maiden, but they'd run out of maidens so I got sent 2 step-overs (at maiden prices). I never did learn how to do it but I got excellent value

[hutch42]

I have two tree's which I need to prune back, the lower branches (if you will) are about14" from the ground and then the vertical with no further branches as yet. at what hight did you cut the vertical?? Many for responding

[Flummery]

It's just been cut directly above two horizontal branches. Neat little knob!

[hutch42]

hutch42

What distance between trees are you supposed to plant

[Flummery]

I think mine are about 9 ft apart. I'm not sure if that's the best distance. It just means that one side of my veg plot is bordered by 2 apple trees.

[Two_Sheds]

Hutch, what rootstock do your apples have? M27 is the chap for stepovers

[hutch42]

Not given type of rootstock when I bought them, I will get onto the place I bought them from and find out. Thank's two shed's

[Flummery]

You need to buy plants on a dwarfing rootstock as TS says. Mine were sold as step-overs and are M27. That's the easiest way to do it., If you've bought apples meant for trees they will probably have a more robust-growing rootstock. This might end up with your having a thick hedge instead of a nice step-over!

[hutch42]

Thank's Flumm. Not been in touch with the seller yet, will let you know.

[hutch42]

Hi every one. Panic over!! The apple trees that I got for my stepover edge are on M27 stock, (told I would let you know once I an answer from my supplier) Jack

[Flummery]

That's the one you want! Off you go then - seccateurs at the ready!

[hutch42]

Hi Flummery. All done & dusted, trees in & tied up. Sorry it's been so long in talking to you but been in the State's for just over a month.Great time!!! Thanks for all your help, talk later maybe. Hutch42