FRUIT FOR GENERATIONS

Orchards

At 4th Corner we are passionate about trees, we have a wealth of experience and an enthusiastic and knowledgeable horticultural team. 

Over the years we have also built up a list of trusted suppliers who grow a range of high quality trees from small 30 cm whips to 3 metre mature trees. 

The pictures on this page show our most recent orchard, planted at the end of February 2020 by our team at our farm premises in Buckinghamshire.  Despite a wet start and dry Spring, our orchard is thriving.  

Below are some basic and helpful tips to remember when planning an orchard. Please do call us to ask for more information or to book a complimentary site visit and quotation. 

Planting Position
Choose a warm sheltered position avoiding wet or shaded spots, although soft fruit will tolerate some shade. 

Bare-root or Container Grown?
Bare-root plants are only delivered in the winter season, from November to April. Pot grown plants can be delivered all year round

Advantages of bare root plants:
You pay less for the same size plants.You can transport and plant them more easily. You only plant them in winter, so they need less maintenance after planting. You are likely to get the biggest selection: Many trees are not sold pot-grown.They are “asleep” in winter – this is the best time to transplant any tree. They use fewer fertilisers & fungicides, less water and less packaging in their production & delivery. 

Advantages of Pot Grown plants:
Pot grown plants can be delivered & planted all year round. Plants with tender roots & larger specimens are more likely to be sold in pots. Plants in pots can be kept for longer if there is a delay in planting. 

FAQ’s
What is a rootstock? All fruit trees are grafted onto different rootstocks. It is the rootstock that determines the mature height that the tree will grow into.

What is the difference between a container grown tree and a Bare Root tree? A container grown tree can be planted at any time of the year. They should start to fruit the following summer after planting. A Bare Root tree is grown in a field and can only be lifted and sent out during the winter months. 

Why and when does pruning take place? For more information go to our Guide to Fruit Tree Pruning.