O wow that apple looks great… im going to check that out. I bookmarked a good thread on apple varieties and i need to go find it and share in case you havent seen already, or for others.
Wow that’s a great spreadsheet. I’ll save that for sure.
Can a single tree be trained to tall spindle? Or does it only work in high density systems?
I don’t have any first hand experience since I just now planted mine. However, I don’t see any reason you couldn’t train a single tree with the tall spindle method. The goals/requirements would be the same.
Dwarfing rootstock with tree support (some kind of permanent stake)
Pruning mainly consists of removing limbs when they become too large, usually with a dutch cut (you’ll have to look that up) to encourage a new shoot to form
Training branches/bending branches to be horizontal or below to devigorate them and encourage early fruiting
There are a lot of really good resources on some of the extension websites from Michigan State, Penn State, and Cornell. They are usually geared toward commercial growers, but the concepts would be the same for a home grower.
Someone more experienced than I can chime in if they feel differently or have anything to add!
The tight spacing helps with dwarfing and reducing vigor.
There is a book many have talked about “grow a little fruit tree” geared to home growers that talks about packing a bunch of trees into small spaces. (I haven’t read it so don’t know details)
A little update:
Trees have all woken up, some more than others. It looks like my notching worked, somewhat. Some of my trees broke bud all along the leader, while others more spread out.
My two ruby rush trees were much thicker caliper and did not break bud as much along the leader.
I went with straw for my mulch. It’s worked for my other trees and so I just used up what I had.
I did notice some of these guys eating the leaves. I’m thinking they’re apple fea weevils?
Thanks for following along everyone.
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I think so. I have pairs of trees on Geneva 41 working out nicely on tall spindle training. A low vigor variety like goldrush should help keep them smaller too.
Nice setup! I’m always on the lookout for ‘front yard orchard’ setups, and I think you nailed a great compromise between production and aesthetics there!
@PlantingOaks appreciate that! I thought it was a great way to squeeze in a lot of varieties. Also great for kids to be able to pick them from the ground.