Classic apple trees have a tree crown, the size and height of which depends on the shape of the tree as a bush, semi-trunk or standard tree. However, certain varieties are also suitable for a hedge-like trellis.
Are apple trees suitable as hedges?
An apple tree is rather unsuitable as a hedge because it loses its leaves in winter and does not provide a dense privacy screen. However, espaliered apple trees can serve as a practical use of space in small gardens, with good sunlight and easier harvesting.
The apple tree is rather unsuitable as a privacy screen
First of all, it must be said that apple trees cannot replace a hedge around the garden in the classic sense that serves as a privacy screen. On the one hand, this is because the apple tree loses all of its leaves in winter and therefore cannot offer any significant privacy protection. On the other hand, too dense growth of the branches, as with a beech or privet hedge, is not desirable, as this would promote fungal infestation and the dangerous mildew.
Practical use of space in small gardens
Nevertheless, planting apple tree seedlings in rows and targeted cutting in espalier form can also make sense for apple trees. You should think about a hedge made of apple trees in the following cases:
- there is a sunlit wall facing south
- the garden is very small
- the harvest should be able to be harvested without a ladder
Apple trees in hedge or espalier form offer the advantage that they are easier to reach for care and harvesting, even by older people. However, caution is advised here, as the risk of fungal diseases increases near the ground due to the lower ventilation caused by wind.
Getting the right plants into shape
First of all, when creating a hedge of apple trees, only trees that have been grafted onto a weak growing base should be selected. Even if these limit the effort required for winter and summer pruning, as they have shallow roots they can still achieve a certain extent of the root ball. If you want to take advantage of the warmth along a sunny wall for a sweet apple harvest, you still need to maintain a distance of around one meter when planting. Cut the trees into espalier shapes and attach them to metal wires (€7.00 on Amazon) that are stretched between solid stakes.
Tips & Tricks
If you don't want a trellis of apple trees, you can also plant apple trees next to each other in a bush shape. However, this requires more time and effort in maintenance because the individual trees are very difficult to access.
