Placed here to make it easy to find in the future
Liberty/Bud-9 can be planted 8'-to-12' apart in the rows. Bud-9 is not a strong rooter and it requires support like a fence post or a trellis wire to support the tree. Otherwise it will lean over or snap off at the graft. Weed control is also mandatory. Irrigation in the early years is a very good idea.
Enterprise/G.890 can be planted 15'-to-20' apart. It makes a MUCH bigger tree than Bud-9. While it does not require support, it will bear more quickly and more heavily if support is used. Weed control is required in the early years.
Bluebyrd European Plum can be planted 10'-to-15' apart. Bluebyrd requires another European Plum for pollination but it can be a single, small branch in the tree. While it does not require support, it will bear more quickly and more heavily if support is used. Weed control is required in the early years.
Potomac Pear/OHXF 87 can be planted 10'-to-15' apart. Potomac requires another pear for pollination but it can be a single, small branch in the tree. Bradford flowering pear will supply pollen that will set fruit on Potomac. While it does not require support, it will bear more quickly and more heavily if support is used. Weed control is required in the early years.
Note on mulch: Some people use discarded carpet for mulch but it must be pulled away from the trees before the snow flies or you are likely to have rodents girdling your trees. Cardboard covered with woodchips can work as long as it is applied early in the season so the cardboard has time to sag down such that it does not provide ready-made travel galleries for mice and voles.
Discarded, aluminum window screen makes a safe and effective barrier against rodents and rabbits. Wrap the screen around the trunk and crush it with your grip. Do not tie. The screen will expand as the tree grows if you do not tie it. Make sure you get down all the way to the soil line.
I've been getting some fruit trees in the ground, thanks for being an inspiring example, Joe. Given my small suburban lot, I'm planting them closer than the usual recommended distances. My rationalization is that since I see them every day, I'll prune them frequently to keep them on the smaller side.
ReplyDeleteHave you heard of David the Good? He's produced lots of books and videos, fascinating notions about gardening, composting, and labor-saving. I'm trying his ideas out and my garden is better than ever. YMMV in Michigan though.
The window screens to prevent girdling is a great idea (as is leaving them loose enough to expand)!
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