Apple trees do not reproduce true to seed. If you plant a seed from an apple variety that you thoroughly enjoy, such as a Gala, the tree that grows from that seed may taste really different or in fact, may have no distinct flavor at all. The only way to get a tree identical to that of your favorite apple is to clone it by grafting.
Grafting involves cutting a piece of wood (scion) from an established tree and attaching (grafting) this piece of wood to another tree’s roots. These roots are termed “rootstocks.”
Seedling rootstock is used to make a “standard tree.” Standard trees are so named because these trees are what are considered the norm when discussing tree types. A standard tree is what the general public perceives an apple tree to be, tall with a broad outreaching leafy canopy.
Seedling rootstock is developed by planting seeds from well established apple varieties such as Bittenfelder or Antonovka. When the tree which sprouts from these seeds grows to a certain stage, scions from a desired variety, such as Gala, are grated to it to produce the variety of the chosen scion. This is usually done at a nursery. “Seedling” rootstock is used for the development of standard size trees because it is vigorous and strong with deep roots that are adaptable to poor soil and drought.
Standard trees grow to an average of twenty-five (25) in height, trunk size is eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) inches in diameter with a leafy canopy of thirty (30) feet. These trees make great shade trees and produce firewood but require more equipment and labor to maintain their vigor and growth. While standard trees take seven (7) to ten (10) years to bear fruit, with proper care and maintenance they have a very long life span. Although more disease resistant, a standard tree is really less economical in an orchard setting because of the space and maintenance it requires. Standard trees would work in a backyard setting. However, make a thorough assessment of space available and your ability to maintain and manage its growth before choosing a standard size apple tree. Happy planting!
We continue the annual pruning in our orchard. Making progress but not finished yet! Next post will be a discusssion of Semi-dwarf apple trees and their rootstock.