Fruit tree shapes
Spindle shape fruit tree
Spindle shape is a fruit tree shape that stands on a very weakly growing rootstock.
They are particularly suitable for fruit hedges or in places where there is little space.
Rootstocks for Spindle-shaped fruit trees:
For apple trees as spindle form: M7, M9 or M26
Pear trees as spindle shape: Quitte A
For cherry trees as spindle shape: Colt, Weiroot 158, Gisela 5
Spindle shape / Characteristics:
This fruit tree form grows up to 2.5 metres high.
It is important to support this tree form by means of a tree pole or along wires attached to poles or a wall.
They are good for planting as hedges and in a fruit garden where there is little space or where you want to plant many species so that you have fruit at different times.
The spindle-shaped fruit trees often bear fruit from the first year.
This form is also almost always planted by professional fruit growers.
Recommended planting distance
Approx. 1.50 to 2.50 metres or approx. 5 m² planting surface. In fruit hedges the planting distance is between 0.60 and 1.50 metres.
Expected life span:
A fruit tree as an improved spindle shape can reach an age of 20 to 30 years, depending on its location.
Low-stem fruit trees
Low-stem fruit trees are also known as shrub trees.
These low-trunk fruit trees are slow-growing fruit trees that grow on a slow to medium rootstock.
Low-stem fruit trees have a trunk of
0.50 metres.
Fruit tree rootstocks that qualify:
For apple trees as low stem M26, M7 and MM106
Pear trees as low rootstock: Kwee A
For cherries in low rootstock: Colt, Weiroot 158, Gisela 5.
Plum trees as lowbush: St. Julien G
Low stemmed / Properties:
This fruit tree form grows 2.5 to 3.5 metres high.
It is important to support this tree form well in the first years by means of a tree pole.
The growth can be influenced by a good pruning every year.
Low trunk gives a lot of fruit quickly, often already after a few years.
These plants are very suitable for private gardens and kitchen gardens.
Recommended planting distance
Approx. 2.50 to 4 metres or approx. 10 m² planting area.
Expected life span:
A fruit tree as improved low stem can reach an age of 30 to 40 years, depending on its location.
Half-standard fruit tree
Half-standard fruit trees grow on medium-strong to strong rootstock.
These half-standard trees stand on their own and only need support for the first few years. They can be planted as solitary trees or in a fruit tree meadow. Small cattle can walk underneath them and they can also be mowed with a riding mower.
These half-standards ensure that the view is closed when standing and you can look under them when sitting.
Rootstock for half-standard fruit trees:
For apple trees as half-standard: M7, M106, m111 and Bittenfelder Seedling
Pear trees as half-standard: Kirchensaller Mostbirne, Pear seedling
Cherry trees as half-standard: Prunus avium (Bird Cherry), F12/1
For plum trees as half-standard: St. Julien
Characteristics of half-standard fruit trees
The trunk height of half-standard fruit trees is 1.20 metres.
A strongly growing and sturdy tree form that produces a lot of fruit after annual pruning. Also without pruning. The fruit is only smaller and less.
The half-standard tree produces fruit after 4 to 6 years and can grow up to 5 metres high.
The half-standard can be used for an orchard or along a road and for the larger garden.
Planting distance for half-standards
Approx. 5 metres or approx. 20-25 m² planting surface. It is recommended to use a tree pole of 2.5 metres.
Expected age:
A fruit tree as half-standard can reach an age of 60 to 100 years, depending on its location.
High-stemmed fruit tree
High-stem fruit trees stand on a strongly growing rootstock.
These standard trees stand on their own and only need support for the first few years. They can be planted as solitary trees or in a fruit tree meadow. Large cattle can walk underneath them. They can also be mowed underneath with a tractor.
You can see through these standard trees when standing.
Rootstock for standard fruit trees:
For apple trees as half-standard: m111 and Bittenfelder seedling.
Pear trees as half-standard: Kirchensaller Mostbirne, Pear Seedling.
Half-standard cherry trees: Prunus avium, F12/1
For plum trees as half-standard: St. Julien, Bromton
Characteristics of standard fruit trees:
The stem height of standard fruit trees is 1.80 to 2.20 metres.
A strongly growing and sturdy tree form.
The standard fruit tree gives a yield after 6 to 7 years and can grow up to 7 metres high.
The standard tree can be used in an orchard or along a road and in the larger garden.
Planting distance for standard trees
approx. 7 metres or approx. 50 m² planting surface. It is recommended to use a tree pole of 2.5 metres.
Expected age:
A fruit tree as a standard can reach an age of 100 years, depending on its location.
Planting tips for an orchard:
It is sensible to protect the trunk from being eaten away in the first few years.
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