Apple Trees

Our premium apple trees are hardy, reliable and will produce delicious fruit for years, not to mention abundant blossom in spring! Our growers have fantastic experience growing fruit trees of the very highest quality; our nursery in the Vale of Evesham provides the perfect conditions for growing the happiest and healthiest apple trees possible.

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Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery

Meet Mike

Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe

Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.

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Which apple tree?

Which apple tree?

Most apples are good for eating and cooking; however some varieties have been bred to give you the best results for each purpose. Dessert apples like Katy are crisp, sweet and best for eating raw. Cooking apples like Bramley and Grenadier are larger and sharper, but cook down to a smooth puree. For a great all-rounder that will serve all purposes (including cider making) try a variety like James Grieve or Elstar. For a space-saving tree with a good yield, we recommend cordon trees, which are trained to grow in a column shape. Read more about choosing your perfect apple tree.

What's the deal with apple tree rootstocks?

What's the deal with apple tree rootstocks?

The eventual size of an apple tree depends on its rootstock, so this is an important thing to consider. Trees on MM106 (semi-dwarfing) rootstocks will grow to around 4x4m, so are best for medium to large gardens. An M26 rootstock means your tree will reach a compact 3x3.5m, making it ideal for smaller spaces. M9 rootstocks reach a height of 2.5m and M27 rootstocks produce patio-pot-friendly trees at around 1.5x1.5m.

Growers' tips for apple trees

Growers' tips for apple trees

Apple trees do best in a sunny sheltered spot, but will tolerate partial shade. Plant yours in an accessible place for picking, and water it regularly until it gets established. Trees that are not self-fertile need another apple tree from the right pollination group to help them produce fruit. If you live in a populated area, it’s very unlikely you’ll have any problems. However, if you are in an isolated area, go for a self-fertile variety.

Using your apples

Using your apples

Crisp and delicious dessert apples are best eaten straight from the tree, whereas cooking apples are the gourmet choice for your crumbles, cobblers and pies, made even better with their traditional BFFs, blackberries or blackcurrants. Once your tree is fully grown you’ll probably have more apples than you know what to do with - that’s the time to invest in a juice press or take a look at our guide to apple storage - follow these steps and your apples will last you for months.

Apple Trees FAQs

Where should I plant an apple tree?

Apple trees are happiest in locations that receive full sun and have well-drained, fertile soil. We recommend that your tree receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight during the growing season.

When should I plant an apple tree?

The best time to plant a container grown tree is from mid-August to the end of May. Bare root trees should be planted from late autumn until early spring. Find out how potted and bare root trees are different.

How long does it take an apple tree to produce fruit?

Standard-sized apple trees can take up to eight years to bear fruit after planting, while dwarf trees will bear fruit within two to three years of planting. All our trees come on rootstocks that reduce vigour, producing a smaller sized tree.

How big do apple trees get?

It is not uncommon for apple trees to reach a height of 7-10m, sometimes even more. Dwarf or semi-dwarf apple trees usually reach between 2-6m (depending on the rootstock).

How do I care for an apple tree?

Bare root trees do not require regular watering, only during dry spells. On the other hand, container-grown trees will need watering every other day for the first few months until their roots are established, slowly reducing this to twice a week until autumn. When watering an apple tree, it's important to give it a good soaking, encouraging the roots to grow deeper into the ground. Don’t worry, there’s no need to feed! Apple trees get all the nutrients they need from the soil.

Do I have to plant my apple tree straight away?

Bare root apple trees need to be planted as soon as possible after they arrive or when you bring them home, whereas potted trees can be kept in their pots for longer. It's never a good idea to store a bare-rooted or container-grown tree indoors for a long time, as the conditions inside a house will quickly dry it out! Find out more about planting your apple tree.

Should I train my apple tree?

Besides looking sublime, espalier apple trees save space, make apple harvesting easier and can produce better fruit. Learn how you can train your apple tree.

What are the best apple trees to grow in the UK?

Although it was hard to narrow down, we’ve hand-picked the best of the bunch for you:

  • Discovery - The most widely grown dessert apple in the UK! Easy to grow & super sweet, with a hint of strawberry.
  • Spartan - A crisp, sweet, juicy apple - perfect for kids.
  • Pixie - Eat fresh, juice or cook these versatile, award-winning apples.
  • James Grieve - We think these are probably the best dual purpose variety of apple.

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I continue to be so impressed with Roots. Their customer care, knowledge of their subject: from planting hedges to pruning roses and more, has been a great support.

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