'Arthur Turner' Apple Trees

Notes on growing Arthur Turner trees:
All apple trees prefer a rich soil with decent drainage, protection from the wind and plenty of sun. Apple trees like clay soil, as long as it is not prone to bad waterlogging. This tree is suitable for organic growing in the more humid West and South of Britain, where scab is more common.

Prepare your site before planting:
Improving the soil in advance of planting your apple trees will help them establish quickly and be productive for years to come. Dig a hole approximately 1 metre square (not round) and 40 cms deep. Remove any weeds, roots stones and rubbish and mix in a bucket of well rotted compost or manure per tree. Make sure some of it ends up below the roots. Return some of the soil and position the tree so the graft or union is about 5 cms (2") above the finished soil level. Half standards and bushes will need staking and tying. Bang the stake into the hole, to the windward side of the tree before planting as it saves damaging the roots late. Apply Rootgrow if you are using any and return the rest of the soil firming it gently around the roots. Water really well, even if it is wet. Watering helps settle the soil around the roots which is good for quick establishment.

Spacing apple trees:
Freestanding bushes: 12-18 feet (4-6 metres) between trees and rows.
Freestanding half-standards: 18-30 feet (6-10 metres) between trees and rows.
In general, allow 1 more metre between rows than there is between each tree in the row.
Wire-trained cordons can be planted in rows 60-100cms apart.
Espaliers need to be spaced at 10-18 feet (3-6 metres) apart.

Watch our video on how to plant a fruit tree for full instructions on planting a bush or half-standard sized tree.
If you are growing a maiden sized apple tree into a freestanding tree, a bamboo cane is enough support.
If you are growing a cordon or espalier, you will need to install training wires to support them.
Remember to water establishing apple trees during dry weather for at least a year after planting.

Apple Tree Planting Accessories:
For bush and half standard apple trees, our tree planting pack includes a wooden stake & rubber tie to support the tree and a biodegradable mulch mat with pegs, which protects the soil at the base of your tree from drying out and stops weeds from sprouting.
We recommend using Rootgrow - mycorrhizal "friendly fungi" on the roots of all new trees, especially if your soil is on the poor side.