Advice on choosing fruit trees for a espalier

[kathycam]

Hi I recently bought a house with a large garden, and I'm currently trying to get it under control. I'm wondering about growing some fruit trees as an espalier, next to a fence. An edible and attractive way to cut down my nosey neighbours view.

The first problem being there is a conifer tree right next to the area I'd like to plant in. I am soon to have the conifer cut down, but would the roots be a problem? I've no idea how far they would spread, but the tree is tall. I'm not intending to use any chemicals on the roots, but maybe some root grinding to get rid of what they can.

There are quite a few trees in the area, so even once I cut down that conifer and one other, it may be a little shady, but not all day.

The area I intend to put the trees in has been used as a compost heap by the previous owner. At least some of the compost contains chicken and goat manure, as she used to keep them. The compost is pretty old and has lots of nettles growing on it. Once the conifers have been cut down I will hopefully clear some more land and spread the compost on it, freeing up the space for the fruit trees. (I'm assuming some of the goodness from the manure will be left?)

If possible I'd like to use local heritage varieties but I've almost zero knowledge on this. I'm also a cheapsake so don't want to break the bank. I do have some fencing posts, but they are only about 5-6ft so think I need some longer ones. Has anyone any suggestions of varieties to try. I think I could fit 4-5 fruit trees in the area. I already have a pear tree, not sure of the variety. A couple of apples and a plum would be nice and anything else interesting or unusual really. I'm based just north of London is South Herts.

Thanks.

[Paulieb]

If Its only a small conifer I'd be tempted to try to dig out the roots, as trying to plant a tree there could be difficult. That may take a while so perhaps just concentrate on digging a bigger hole than normal for your trees.

I've just ordered 12 apples for a 'hedge' with the aim of some being local varieties. Someone like keepers has excellent variety information to help you choose. And also in general I'd say you tend to get what you pay for, and with trees that will take 3-4 years to fruit, I'd say £16 is a fair price for a quality maiden.

[kathycam]

The conifer is massive, taller than my house. The old owners really let things go. I'm hoping to get a tree surgeon in to deal with it. I've not ever done anything like this, so I'm not sure what to expect to be left with! But we'll dig up any roots we can when we clear the nettles and compost heap.

Out of interest how long will your hedge be wiht the 12 apple trees. Sounds interesting. Thanks Paulieb I'm looking forward to harvesting your oca shortly!

[veggiechicken]

How large is the trunk kathy? I've had several tall conifers taken down but the trunk has been left in situ. They can be massive - some are multi-trunked. So measure around the base as close to ground level as you can just to get some idea of what you are dealing with.

[kathycam]

I will do that soon VC good idea. There is 3 conifers in total that have gotten a bit big, one is multitrunked, but I'm less worried about that. One in the middle of the garden is really big and the one near the compost heap is slightly smaller. I also have a big pine tree right next to the house, which may have to go- incase it causes problems. Which is a shame as thats a really nice tree. Why did you leave the trunks and did they regrow?

[veggiechicken]

Removing the stumps was too big and expensive a job. They haven't regrown

[Paulieb]

The conifer is massive, taller than my house. The old owners really let things go. I'm hoping to get a tree surgeon in to deal with it. I've not ever done anything like this, so I'm not sure what to expect to be left with! But we'll dig up any roots we can when we clear the nettles and compost heap.

Out of interest how long will your hedge be wiht the 12 apple trees. Sounds interesting. Thanks Paulieb I'm looking forward to harvesting your oca shortly!

My planned spacings are 3ft between each tree. So the line will be about 10 metres long (10 apples & 4 pears), then I'm also getting some other maidens to train as stepovers alongside the edge of some beds.

Ah! The good old Oca. I'd forgotten I grew that last year. I think I've said before but the best tip for that is 'just when you think you're ready to harvest, leave it another 2 weeks', more precisely, once a good frost has killed it, wait a few weeks for the tubers to really bulk up.

[TrialAndError]

For cheap fruit trees try the supermarkets and diy stores. You can spend £20 or more plus postage from the established fruit tree nurseries who advertise heavily. If cost is crucial (that's me folks) then wait until January and February and pick up the bargains (£5 or so with no delivery) at less specialised outlets. You will be amazed at how well they grow. Yes occasionally the variety may have been named incorrectly but it's rare and the element of surprise is not something to be sniffed at. In all likelihood it will educate you rather than disappoint you.

[WendyC]

Are they likely to stock the local heritage varieties Kathy is interested in? Also I'd like to know the rootstock of any tree I planted. From previous threads on here, this is something the bargain trees rarely seem to have labelled.

[kathycam]

I bought some bargain ones earlier on the year, one was stolen which is pretty shocking. One died very quickly and the other 2 are healthy. They are at my allotment, and as I was moving they got a bit neglected. I'm planning on moving the healthy ones soon, as I've given up my supersized plot. (as my garden is big and I don't have time for both)

I guess its worth paying the extra now as I intend to live here long term and hopefully I'll see a good return of fruit in that time. Any pointers on rootstock?

Thats good to know the conifers didn't regrow, the one in the middle can stay a stump and I'll see how much it costs for the other and work out if its worth it.

Paulieb I'll try and be patient and wait for the oca, as its on the plot I've given up, the new people are keen for me to clear my stuff up, but they'll have to wait a bit longer! (afterall I've paid a full year and barely grown stuff in the plot)