'Trees'

Bush and fan trained trees need to be planted at least 10 feet apart. Traditionally standard orchard trees in the South West are planted at least 30 feet apart. It is advisable to give support to a newly planted tree, and protect it from rabbits, a common mistake is to allow grass and other weeds to grow around the base of a young tree. It is a good idea to keep an area of 3-4 feet in diameter clear of all weeds for the first few years at least. This can be done with herbicides, mulching or good old fashioned weeding! I recommend a mix of all three especially mulching with compost or manure as this will surpress weeds, add nutrients to the soil below and help retain moisture during dry spells. Rabbits can do irreparable damage to a young tree over night, a spiral guard is a cheap and easy way to protect a tree, and should be put around the base of the stem at the time of planting. This young Ashmeads Kernal is well protected from cattle using 3 x 8' stakes driven in to leave 6' above ground, two rows of stock fence, and timber rails around the top.