Fruit Trees

Planting fruit trees isn’t only about the fruit. It brings a life full of beauty, balance, and a deeper connection to nature. Across the UK, plenty of people want to be more self-sufficient, cut food miles, and enjoy eating with the seasons. Starting an orchard is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to do all of that. At Arundel Arboretum, we’re proud to offer some of the best fruit trees UK gardeners can grow, along with friendly, expert advice for both beginners and seasoned growers. To make things even easier, we’ve put together a straightforward orchard planting guide UK gardeners can follow to grow and maintain their fruit trees with confidence. Planning an Orchard: What to Know Before You Start There aren’t many projects as rewarding as starting your own orchard. It’s easy to picture baskets full of ripe fruit, but the real success begins long before harvest. Preparing the soil, picking the right varieties, and planning how they’ll grow together all make a big difference to how productive your orchard will be. Choosing The Right Location and Soil for Growing Fruit Trees UK Choosing the right spot makes all the difference in how well your fruit trees will grow. They love a lot of sunshine, so a south-facing spot sheltered from strong winds is ideal for the UK climate. The soil is just as important. Fruit trees like their soil just right. Not waterlogged clay that suffocates roots, nor dry sand that leaves them thirsty. Most fruit trees like soil that’s slightly acidic to neutral (around 6.0–7.0). A quick soil test will show where you stand. Too acidic? Add lime. Too alkaline? Add sulphur. How Much Space Do You Really Need for Planting Fruit Trees? The space you need depends on the rootstock it’s grown on, as that determines how big the trees will grow. As a rule of thumb, leave enough space so the branches won’t bump into each other when the trees are mature, that is about 3 to 6 metres. It might look like a lot at first, but you’ll be glad for it later. Picking the Purpose of Your Orchard: Eating, Cooking, or Juicing When you start planning your orchard, it’s important to decide what you want from your fruit. Some fruits are the most tasteful when eaten straight from the tree, while others give their best in the kitchen, whether in cooking, juicing, preserving, or making cider. By mixing different types of fruit trees in your orchard, you can enjoy a wider range of flavours and uses across the seasons. You might, for example, pair sweet dessert pears with tart cooking apples. Or stick to one fruit type, but combine early- and late-ripening varieties.  A good mix is the UK favourite Discovery, which ripens early in the summer, with Braeburn, which is ready for harvesting much later, in mid-October. The key is to make sure they have a suitable pollination partners to make sure you’ll get a good crop. What is Pollination & Why Does It Matter When Planning an Orchard  Planting an orchard is not just picking a few fruit trees you like and popping them into the ground. Even if you give them the best conditions possible, you may end up with half empty baskets during the harvest. So what’s the secret? It’s the pollination. Pollination is simply bees and other insects moving pollen from one flower to another so the tree can set fruit. Without it, you might get plenty of blossom, but no fruit at all. You may think, well, pollination just happens naturally. What do I have to do with it? Well, pollination isn’t just a chance, and there’s a lot you can do to make it successful. First, it helps to know that fruit trees fall into three main groups when it comes to pollination:•    Self-fertile varieties. These varieties can pollinate themselves. They don't need another tree. Examples are modern apple varieties, such as Sunset or James Grieve, as well as some plums like Victoria. But even the self-fertile fruit trees give better crops when there is another compatible tree nearby.•    Partially self-fertile varieties. These can set some fruit on their own, but crop much better with a partner. An example is Conference pear.•    Self-sterile varieties. These cannot pollinate themselves at all and must have another compatible variety nearby. Classic examples are Cox’s Orange Pippin apples or many cherries. So, before you rush up and fill a trolley with fruit trees, it’s good to know which ones are quite good on their own and which ones need company. That’s where pollination groups come in. What Are Pollination Groups & How to Choose Compatible Fruit Trees Each variety is placed into a group based on when it blooms. Apples and pears are usually placed in groups listed by number (from 1-7), while plums or cherries are usually just described by their flowering time. It’s really quite simple. Trees that flower at the same time, or close to it, can pollinate each other because bees can move the pollen between them. For example, an apple in group 3 will usually pollinate another group 3, and often some from group 2 or 4 as well. Early-flowering plum trees must be partnered with other early-flowering plum varieties to bring crop.  Rule of thumb: If a variety you have chosen isn’t clearly marked as self-fruitful, always plant another different compatible variety. But even self-fertile varieties give better crops when pollinated by a partner. Rootstocks and Fruit Tree Varieties Explained Choosing rootstock is as important as choosing the variety. First of all, the rootstock determines how high and how vigorous the tree will grow, and also how well it will adapt to different soil and climate conditions. Choosing the right one is key to planning your orchard layout and spacing. •    Dwarf fruit trees UK are grafted onto dwarf rootstocks, which means they will be only 2–3 metres tall when they mature. They’re perfect for smaller gardens, patios, or squeezing in a few different varieties. And you can harvest the fruit without ladders! The only problem is they often live just 15-25 years. •    Semi-dwarf fruit trees UK grow a bit more, around 3–4 metres in height. They are usually the best choice for most gardens. Easy to manage while producing generous harvests, they have the perfect balance between size and productivity for the average garden. They usually live 25-40 years if well cared for. •    Standard rootstocks grow into full-sized orchard trees, often spreading 5–6 meters wide. They need plenty of space, but are ideal for traditional orchards, paddocks, or for anyone who wants impressive, long-lived trees because they can live more than 50 years, sometimes over a century. Once you understand rootstocks, it’s much easier to pick fruit trees that suit both your garden space and your long-term plans. But there’s still one important decision to make. Heritage vs. Modern Disease-Resistant Varieties When choosing fruit trees in the UK, one of the biggest decisions is whether to go with heritage fruit trees or modern, disease-resistant varieties. Each has its own advantages, and many gardeners like to grow a mix of both. Heritage varieties include some of the best-loved apple tree varieties UK, such as Egremont Russet, and traditional pear tree varieties like Conference. They’re valued for their unique flavours, history, and the sense of tradition they bring to an orchard. Heritage fruit trees are ideal if you want to help preserve older types that aren’t widely grown anymore. On the other hand, modern varieties have been bred to cope better with common problems such as scab, canker, or mildew. They usually need less spraying and less maintenance, making them a practical choice if you’d prefer a reliable, lower-effort orchard. These trees are especially useful in wetter areas of the UK where fungal issues are more often a problem. Best Fruit Trees to Grow in the UK – Available at Arundel Arboretum Here are some of the best fruit tree varieties recommended by Arundel Arboretum, each with its own unique flavour and growing qualities.Apples•    Discovery – early, crisp and sweet, ready in late August.•    Laxton’s Superb – aromatic, traditional, good for cooler sites.•    Braeburn – late ripening, sharp-sweet flavour, stores well.•    Egremont Russet – mid-season, nutty flavour, classic UK favourite. Pears•    Conference – reliable cropper, partially self-fertile, juicy and versatile.•    Doyenné du Comice – rich, buttery flavour, one of the best dessert pears.•    Concorde – sweet and smooth, heavy crops, part self-fertile.•    Beurré Hardy – aromatic dessert pear, needs a pollination partner. Plums•    Victoria – self-fertile, heavy crops, perfect for eating or jam.•    Marjorie’s Seedling – large, reliable, and late ripening, perfect for jams.•    Stanley – firm, sweet fruit, rich in flavour, self-fertile, ripens in September.•    Santa Rosa – dual-purpose, good fresh or cooked. Others•    Quince ‘Vranja’ – large, golden, aromatic fruit, ideal for jellies and preserves.•    Medlar ‘Nottingham’ – unusual heritage fruit, ripens late and eaten soft. Which Fruit Trees Grow Best in Different Parts of the UK? Choosing the best fruit trees to grow in the UK comes down to where you live. A tree that thrives in one region may struggle in another, so it’s worth matching your choices to your local climate conditions. South of England – Cherries, Peaches, FigsThe warmer, sunnier South is the only part of the UK where you can reliably grow tender fruits like cherries, peaches, and figs. They need long summers and fewer spring frosts to do well. Here you can enjoy varieties like Stella cherry or espalier-trained figs. The Midlands – Apples, Pears, PlumsWith its moderate climate, the Midlands is one of the most reliable regions for orchards. Apple tree varieties UK buyers love, such as Discovery or Egremont Russet, perform very well, as do pear tree varieties UK like Conference, and classic plums such as Victoria. The balanced rainfall and temperatures make it easy to mix different fruits in the same orchard. North of England & Scotland – Hardy Apples and PearsIn the North and Scotland, tender fruits don’t stand much chance. But hardy apples and pears on vigorous rootstocks can take the cold and still crop well. Late-flowering apples like Spartan or James Grieve are less likely to be damaged by frost, and pears like Concorde are also tough enough for chillier spots.  Wales & West Country – Cider Apples and Perry PearsThis region has a long tradition of orchards and there’s a reason for it. The damp, fertile soils are ideal for cider apples and perry pears. Varieties such as Kingston Black and Blakeney Red thrive here, producing fruit packed with the tannins and sugars needed for pressing.  Coastal Areas – Hardy Rootstocks and Sheltered PlantingGardening near the coast comes with challenges like strong winds and salt spray, but with the right choices you can still grow successfully. Stick with hardy apples, pears, or plums on wind-tolerant rootstocks such as MM106, and always plant in a sheltered spot. Apples, pears, or plums can all succeed near the coast, but avoid tender fruits like peaches unless you can provide extra protection. How to Plant Fruit Trees in the UK Best Planting Season - When to Plant Fruit Trees UK The best time to plant fruit trees in the UK is between November and March, when they’re dormant. Container trees can technically go in any time, but autumn and early spring are best because the roots have time to settle before summer. Soil Preparation for Orchards UK Fruit trees love a sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. Before planting, dig in some compost or well-rotted manure to feed young roots, and also clear out any weeds so they don’t have to fight for space. If your garden is heavy clay, improve drainage with grit or raise the tree slightly on a mound to help with drainage. Correct Tree Staking and Support for Fruit Trees Young trees often need a bit of extra support while they find their feet. A single stake with a soft tie, placed on the windward side, is usually enough to keep them steady but still flexible. After two or three years, the roots will be strong enough to hold on their own, and you can remove the stake. Mulching and Protecting Orchard Blossoms  Spread a ring of mulch, such as bark or compost, around the base to lock in moisture and keep weeds down, just be sure to keep it away from the trunk itself. In spring, keep an eye on the blossom. If a late frost threatens, cover the tree with fleece or netting to help trees to set fruit. Orchard Maintenance Guide UK Looking after an orchard in the UK isn’t complicated, but a little consistency goes a long way. With regular feeding, watering, pruning, and ground care, your trees will stay healthy and reward you with good harvests year after year. Feeding and Watering Orchard Trees Young trees need regular watering, especially during their first few years and in dry spells. Once established, most trees get by on rainfall, but giving them a deep soak in summer helps boost both growth and fruiting. For best fruit tree feeding, use a balanced fertiliser in spring, then switch to a high-potassium feed in summer to support flowers and fruit. Adding a fresh layer of mulch each year locks in moisture and steadily improves the soil. How to Prune a Fruit Tree Even orchards face pests and diseases from time to time. Aphids, codling moths, and apple scab are some of the most common issues in the UK. The best defence is regular checks. When you catch problems early, it’s much easier to handle them. Encourage natural helpers like ladybirds, use pheromone traps if needed, and stick to disease-resistant varieties so you won’t have to rely on sprays. Weed and Grass Management Around Trees Weeds and long grass compete with fruit trees for water and nutrients. Keep a clear circle around the base of each tree as part of your regular orchard care. Mulching helps suppress regrowth, while hand weeding or careful hoeing protects young roots. Start Your Orchard with Arundel Arboretum If you’re planning your orchard, come and visit us at Arundel Arboretum in West Sussex, near Chichester. Here you will find a wide selection of fruit trees suited to the UK climate, along with expert advice to help you find the best trees for your orchard. Prefer shopping from home? Browse our online store, place your order, and we’ll take care of the rest. Either way, your perfect orchard starts here.Remember, the best time to plant an orchard was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.

Planting a fruit tree is not just about digging a hole in the ground and dropping the plant in. If you want your fruit tree to thrive, you have to give it the best possible start. Therefore, we have put together the ultimate guide on how to plant fruit trees. The guide will walk you through the best time to plant fruit trees and the essential steps to do it right. Why is this so important? First of all, proper planting ensures a strong root system, which provides water and nutrients to the tree. A well-developed root system leads to a stronger plant that can better handle environmental stresses like drought, pests, and diseases. On the other hand, any damage caused during planting forces the tree to redirect its energy toward recovery and healing instead of growth and development. That weakens its ability to grow leaves, flowers, and fruit. So, it is exceptionally important for fruit trees to be planted correctly if you want them to grow strong and healthy and bring an abundance of high-quality fruit. Therefore, we have prepared the ultimate guide to planting fruit trees to help you enjoy your fruit garden for years to come. When Is the Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees Container-grown trees can be planted almost any time of the year, but the ideal periods are late autumn (after the leaves drop) or early spring (before buds break). If you are wondering why, here are the key reasons. Why Late Autumn Is the Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees           Dormancy: Trees are not actively growing so the stress of transplantation is minimal.          Soil Temperature: The soil is still warm enough to make soil preparation easier and enable root development.          Moisture: Late autumn rains keep the soil wet and help the newly planted trees establish their roots.      Time to Establish: By spring, roots are established without spending energy on leaf growth or budding. Less Competition from Weeds: Cold weather slows weed growth and young trees have less competition for nutrients. Why Early Spring Is the Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees       Dormancy: Trees are still dormant or just beginning to wake up which reduces the transplant stress.       Soil Temperature: The soil is warmer, no longer frozen or covered by snow, and ready to be prepared for planting.        Moisture: Spring soil has enough moisture from snow melt which makes it perfect for root development without additional watering. No Frost Damage: Planting fruit trees in spring ensures roots won’t be damaged by winter frost, especially in colder climates.    Our Recommendations:  In milder climates where the ground doesn’t freeze, we recommend planting fruit trees in late autumn (October and November). This gives the root system more time to develop and prepare for the growing season. In the UK, late autumn planting is suitable for Southwest England, South Coast, and urban areas where winters are mild and frost risk low. Early spring planting (February and March) is more adequate for colder regions to avoid frost damage to unestablished root systems. Late spring frosts may pose a challenge but this risk can be managed with careful planning. Regions that are suitable for spring planting are Scotland, Northern England, and upland areas of Wales, where winters are harsher and longer. Choosing the Perfect Spot in Your Garden Finding the best place for fruit trees in your garden is essential if you want them to be healthy and productive. It’s all about giving them what they need to grow strong and bear plenty of fruit. Here are some key things to consider when choosing the perfect spot for your fruit trees: Sunlight Sunlight is absolutely vital for keeping your fruit trees healthy and happy. Sun gives them the energy to thrive and produce an abundance of delicious fruit. With enough direct sunlight, your fruit will develop vibrant colours, rich flavours, and natural sweetness. Without it, they may grow weak, produce fewer blossoms, and yield smaller fruit of lower quality.          Tip: Choose a warm, sunny spot in your garden with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day to keep your fruit trees at their best. Soil The right soil is just as important as sunlight. Fruit trees prefer nutrient-rich, moist, but well-drained soil that can provide enough nutrients and allow roots to absorb them. Heavy, compacted soils hold too much water and can lead to root rot so avoid them or improve them by adding organic matter like compost. Tip: Take the time to test and improve your soil before planting your fruit trees. Pear trees (especially Asian pears) and certain plum trees are more tolerant of heavy and wet soils. Wind Protection Fruit trees need to be sheltered from strong, harsh winds as they can uproot young trees, weaken their stability, and cause damage by breaking branches, stripping leaves, or knocking off flowers and young fruit. Cold winter winds are another threat – they can dry out the tree and cause bark to crack, especially on trees with thin bark, like cherries and apples. Tip: Protect your fruit trees by planting them near windbreaks like walls, fences, or hedges. Add mulch around the base to insulate the roots. If needed, use burlap wraps - protective coverings designed to protect trees, especially fruit trees, from harsh conditions. Space for Growth Fruit trees need plenty of room to grow. The size and variety of your tree will determine how much space it needs. Crowded trees compete for light, water, and nutrients which can weaken their health. Poor spacing also limits airflow around the canopy which can create an environment perfect for fungal infections and diseases. Proper spacing is, therefore, essential for fruit trees. Tip: If the space in your garden is limited, try a clever space-saving technique called espalier. This method involves training a tree to grow flat, like a two-dimensional painting. Espalier not only saves space but also maximizes sunlight exposure which can boost fruit production. How to Prepare Soil for Planting Fruit Trees Poor soil is a major problem when it comes to fruit trees. It can stunt growth and lower fruit quality so, before you plant, test your soil. Making small improvements can make a huge difference. Here is a simple guide to help you test and improve your soil. pH Levels: Fruit trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 to 7.0. If the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, it may be difficult for a tree to absorb nutrients. Some trees may be considered exceptions, like citrus trees, which like slightly more acidic soil or olive trees, which can tolerate slightly alkaline soils Tip: You can easily adjust soil’s pH levels by adding things like lime to raise pH (make it less acidic) or sulphur to lower pH (make it more acidic). Nutrient Levels:           The most important nutrients for fruit trees are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Nitrogen supports overall growth and healthy foliage, phosphorus helps the root development and supports the growth of flowers and fruit, while potassium influences overall tree health and fruit quality. If there is an imbalance of these nutrients, fruit trees can have serious issues.      Tip: To solve nutrient deficiencies, use adequate fertilizers. Adding organic matter like compost or peat moss is also a fantastic way to improve soil quality. Be careful with nitrogen. It provides vigorous growth but too much of it can reduce fruit production. Drainage: Fruit trees don’t like waterlogged soils. Too much water can cause root rot, so having well-drained soil is essential for their health. Tip: If you don’t know whether your soil is waterlogged, perform a simple test. Dig a hole about 30cm deep and fill it with water. Check it in 24 hours. If the water is still there, your soil has poor drainage. To fix it, add some sand or gravel to improve water flow.   How to Dig the Right Hole for a Fruit Tree It may sound a bit unnecessary to explain how to dig a hole, but there are a few simple rules that may not be widely known. And a well-dug hole can make a difference for your fruit tree. Here is a short and simple, step-by-step guide on how to dig the right hole for your tree and plant it successfully.        Measure the root ball to calculate how deep and wide a hole should be.       Dig a hole as deep as the root ball. The tree must not settle too low because that can cause a trunk to rot.       The hole must be 2-3 times wider than the root ball. Roots need space to spread.       Loosen the bottom and the sides of the hole to make it easier for the roots to penetrate the ground.       Mix the soil you dug out with compost or organic matter. You will use that later for refilling.       Do not apply too much fertilizer because it can burn young roots.       Place the tree in the hole. The spot where the trunk meets the roots should be at or slightly above the ground. Do not bury the trunk!       Backfill the hole with the mix you have previously prepared. Gently tamp down the soil to remove air pockets.       Water the tree abundantly. Add mulch 5-10 cm around the base but leave some space around the trunk And there you have it! Your tree is planted with knowledge and care and set up for success!

Williams’ Bon Chretien Williams’ Bon Chretien pear is a medium-large fruit with pale yellow skin with pale red stripes and spots.  It has an oval shape with a smooth skin.  Williams’ Bon Chretien is a regular cropper, and should be hardy enough for northern areas.  The quality of the fruit is very good, but it does not store for very long.  Its picking time is September. Doyenne du Comice Doyenne du Comice is a dessert pear which produces medium-large fruit, with a golden-yellow skin which is flushed with brownish-red.  Its taste and texture are outstanding.  However, it needs warmth and shelter from winds.  Unfortunately, Doyenne du Comice it is an irregular cropper and will also require spraying against scab.  The picking time is mid-October.  Its Pollination Group is C.  It requires a pollination partner such as ‘Beth’ or ‘Concorde’. Conference Conference dessert pears produce medium sized fruit with an olive green skin, with large russet patches. It is a reliable variety to grow even if it has less than perfect conditions. Conference fruits are long and narrow with firm, juicy flesh. It is partly self-fertile and is in Pollination Group B. If it has a nearby pollination partner it will produce a better crop of fruit. Picking time is late September. Beth – Pear Beth is a dessert pear produces small-medium fruits with a pale yellow skin with russet spots.  It produces high yields and regular cropping.  Beth has a soft white flesh.  It has an upright growth habit.  It comes under Pollination Group B.  Picking time is late August.