Bush tree care: planting, planting spacing and pruning

Bush trees are well suited for manageable garden areas, as they have a low stature. The small fruit trees are satisfied with little space and are not particularly high-maintenance. Nevertheless, the delicate fruit trees deliver rich harvest yields, even after a relatively short time after planting. The crown can be trained in the desired shape and direction of growth by a targeted pruning.

Care

Bush trees originate from a fruit tree graft that enabled a significant reduction in growth height and width. That is why bush trees are also often referred to as low trunk or quarter trunk. Additionally, these grafted fruit trees are usually cultivated as spindle trees, which don't take up much space. Due to the low growth height, bush trees can be easily harvested, although the yields are still very high. With correct care and optimal location and growth conditions, the first fruits can be harvested after just a few years. With this representative of fruit trees it is necessary to offer them support in the first years of life.

• Low to medium-growing fruit trees
• Grow relatively slowly
• Aisles varieties are: apples, pears, cherries, mirabelle plums, plums, quinces and plums
• Expected final height is around 3-4 m
• Trunk length is approx. 40-60cm
• The first yields can already be expected after 1-3 years of standing
• Can live 30-40 years
• Support with a trellis or by tying to a wire system

Location & plant substrate

In general, fruit trees prefer light-flooded locations that offer them enough space to spread out. When choosing a location, the mature state of the bush trees should be taken into account. Despite the smaller growth habit, the fruit trees still need a certain amount of space. Mature trees of 3 to 4 meters cast a corresponding shadow. If this is not desired in the garden and outdoor areas used, then a certain distance must be maintained. A balanced soil is very important for healthy growth, so the soil in the planting hole should be well prepared. Before planting, it is advisable to enrich the soil for the still young bush trees so that they have sufficient nutrients available in the first year.

• A sunny, wind-protected and free location is ideal
• Nothing should restrict growth
• Do not place several specimens too close together
• Do not plant too close to walls, residential buildings and patios
• Prefer moderately moist plant substrate
• Before planting, dig up 0.5 to 1 m³ of soil
• Mix 1/3 topsoil with 1/3 mature compost and 1/3 loam or clay
• Mix ingredients together well
• Fill the planting hole with the enriched plant substrate
• Also distribute this around the tree

watering and fertilizing

Since most shrub trees are native fruit varieties, they usually do well in the prevailing conditions. However, young specimens still need additional watering and fertilizer units in the first years after planting. However, when fertilizing, the right time is crucial, do not fertilize immediately after planting or in autumn. If the bush trees were planted in spring, then it is easy to fertilize the following year.

• Young bush trees depend on regular watering
• In case of prolonged drought, water sufficiently
• Water additionally during the first 3-4 years of life
• Older specimens mostly do without additional watering
• Fertilize only in spring, when the plants are sprouting
• The months of March and April are ideal
• Pay attention to suitable fertilizer for fruit plants
• Do not use fertilizer with blue grain

Plants & planting distance

Bush trees only form a small root ball, which is why they are dependent on mechanical support in the initial years. Due to the artificial reduction in growth, there can quickly be a disproportion between the size of the crown and the root ball. If the anchoring in the ground is not strong enough, then the bush tree can fall due to strong winds. Therefore, an additional support for long-term stabilization is advisable, which ensures good stability. In addition, the fruit trees need sufficient space, not only to neighboring buildings and walls, but also to other trees and plants. When planting should not be fertilized, but only in the second year. Over the years, the roots must not encounter too dense a subsoil in the earth, otherwise growth may be inhibited.

• Planting distance should be at least 3-4 m
• An area of ​​12 m² is ideal for planting
• Allow for shadows and proximity to buildings
• Support young tree with stake or similar
• Make sure the excavation is large enough
• Place the root ball in a water bath for a few hours beforehand
• If bale is wrapped in fabric when purchased, then remove material
• Ideally plant in pairs

Cut

Due to the often cramped space available, bush trees must not grow too high and too dense, so the main shoot should be cut off at an early stage. To prevent a new main shoot from forming, the fruit tree must be pruned periodically. Therefore, all shoots that grow in the middle of the crown should be cut off the tree in the first winter. This process must be repeated in the winter of the second year, when the basic framework is complete. With an annual pruning, the height of the bush tree can be adjusted to the respective site conditions. The targeted crown shape should correspond to the needs of the respective fruit variety.

• Young tree after planting at a height of approx. cut 75 cm
• Only leave three very strongly developed side shoots
• Shorten side shoots by a third
• In the first winter, shorten the shoots by half for the basic structure
• Cut all other shoots back to 3-4 eyes
• By cutting off the main shoot, more side shoots will develop
• Regular training cuts are required

hibernate

Native varieties are usually hardy and do well with local forest values. However, young specimens are somewhat sensitive to severe minus temperatures, just like non-local fruit varieties. In addition, young fruit trees with a thin and smooth bark often suffer from frost cracks. Therefore, these bush trees are happy about an additional protection during the winter months.

• Pay attention to winter protection, especially in higher and exposed locations
• Cover the area around the trunk of the tree, just above the root area
• Apply either a layer of mulch or leaves
• In the case of very sensitive specimens, cover the crown of the tree with fleece
• Protect the trunk from stress cracks caused by frost by painting it white

Diseases & Pests

Since the bush trees are grafted fruit trees, they are afflicted by the same diseases and pests as the normally growing specimens. Aphids in particular can be very annoying in the beginning, as newly transplanted trees are still very vulnerable and weak. An infestation should therefore be treated immediately so as not to unnecessarily burden the bush tree.

• Check regularly for aphid infestations
• Collect lice or crush gently
• Wash leaves with mild soapy water
• Spray the crown of the tree repeatedly with diluted nettle decoction

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