There is often not enough space in your own garden to plant an apple tree that has become sprawling over the years. Bush trees are ideal in this case because they remain small, bear quickly and are even easier to form than standard apple trees.
Can apples be cultivated as a bush tree?
Since apple trees are grafted on a rootstock responsible forgrowth, they can easily be grown asbush trees. As a result, these fruit trees reach a final size of a maximum of four meters. Another advantage: the income starts in the second year of operation.
What distinguishes apple bush trees from real apple trees?
The maindifferencebetween a classic standard apple tree and a bush treelies in the expected size of the tree.
- Tall trunks reach a height of eight to ten meters, while bush trees only reach four.
- This makes them easier to harvest.
- As they are usually cultivated as spindle trees or espaliered fruit, they do not require much space and fit well in gardens with limited space.
- You can expect income in the second year of operation.
How are these apple trees planted?
Since bush trees form a smaller root ball, you should definitelysupport the tree in the first few years with a stake, which you fit into the planting hole directly when planting. It is also important not to staydistance less than three meters from other trees.
Apple bush trees are also not self-pollinating. In order for the fruit tree to bear well, there must be a suitable pollinator nearby. If this is not the case, you should always cultivate apple trees as a pair.
How is a bush tree grown?
So that apple bush trees do not form a crown that is too dense, you mustprune them regularly and professionally:
- Short the tree to about 75 centimeters after planting.
- Leave only three well-developed side shoots, which you also cut back by a third.
- In the first winter, shorten the shoots that form the basic structure by half and all the others to four eyes.
- Cut the main shoot so that more side shoots form.
Does an apple bush tree need special care?
Thecare of bush fruit and standard trunks is no different However, the young trees are still quite vulnerable to frost. A mulch layer of grass clippings or leaves not only ensures that water is retained in the soil in summer, it also protects the root area from frost.
Freshly planted bush trees are also susceptible to aphids, which can be very damaging to small trees. If necessary, rinse off the pests with the garden hose (€16.00 on Amazon) and, if the infestation is severe, spray the treetop with diluted nettle broth.
Tip
Apple bush trees as a hedge
If you plant apple bush trees just 150 centimeters apart, they can even be cultivated as a hedge. This is always recommended if you have little space in the garden and want to harvest high yields at the same time.
