How to Grow Apples from Bare Root Trees: A Complete UK Guide

Introduction

Imagine plucking a crisp, juicy apple straight from your own tree, grown right in your garden. With the right preparation and care, growing apples from bare root trees is not only cost-effective but also incredibly rewarding. Bare root apple trees establish quickly, are easier to plant than you might think, and offer a wide choice of heritage and modern varieties suited to the UK climate.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to grow apples from bare root trees, including selecting the right variety, planting step-by-step, caring for young trees, and ensuring abundant harvests for years to come.

Why Choose Bare Root Apple Trees?

🌳 Cost-effective – Bare root trees are cheaper than potted alternatives
🌱 Establish quickly – Root systems grow faster when planted dormant
🧺 Wide variety – More choice in pollination groups, rootstocks, and flavours
🕰️ Traditional planting method – Time-tested by generations of UK growers
📦 Easy to transport and store – Lightweight and compact

Best planting time: November to March, while trees are dormant

Best Apple Varieties for UK Gardens

Variety	Type	Flavour	Pollination Group	Notes
Egremont Russet	Dessert	Nutty, crisp	Group 2	Classic heritage apple
Braeburn	Dessert	Sweet-tart	Group 4	Stores well, needs a sunny site
Cox’s Orange Pippin	Dessert	Rich, aromatic	Group 3	Superb flavour, best in sheltered spots
Discovery	Early Dessert	Juicy, fresh	Group 3	Great for small gardens
James Grieve	Dual-purpose	Sweet-sharp	Group 3	Good for eating or cooking
Bramley	Cooking	Sharp, fluffy	Group 3 (triploid)	Needs two other trees for pollination

Tip: Check the pollination group when selecting—most apple trees need a nearby compatible variety to fruit.

Choosing the Right Rootstock

The rootstock controls the tree’s final size:

Rootstock	Final Height	Use
M27	1.2m (miniature)	Pots, small spaces
M9	2–2.5m (dwarf)	Compact gardens, easy harvest
M26	2.5–3m (semi-dwarf)	Ideal for most gardens
MM106	3–4m (medium)	Larger gardens, free-standing
M25	4–5m (vigorous)	Traditional orchards

Tip: Dwarf trees fruit earlier and are easier to manage. MM106 is best for training as fans or cordons.

When to Plant Bare Root Apple Trees

Best Time to Plant	Why It Matters
November–March	Trees are dormant—less stress when planting
Avoid frozen or waterlogged soil	Wait for milder, dry days for planting

Where to Plant Your Apple Tree

Apples prefer:

Full sun (at least 6 hours/day)
Sheltered locations out of strong wind
Fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.0)
Avoid frost pockets or overly shaded areas

Step-by-Step: How to Plant a Bare Root Apple Tree

Step 1: Soak the Roots

Before planting, soak the tree’s roots in a bucket of water for 1–2 hours
This rehydrates the roots and improves transplant success

Step 2: Prepare the Planting Hole

Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root spread
Loosen the soil in the base of the hole
Mix in well-rotted compost or garden soil
Don’t add fresh manure—it can burn young roots

Step 3: Place the Tree

Spread out the roots naturally
Position the tree with the graft union 5–10cm above the soil
Face the best side in your preferred direction

Step 4: Backfill and Firm In

Refill the hole gently but firmly, avoiding air pockets
Press soil around the roots and firm down with your boot
Leave a slight depression around the tree to collect water

Step 5: Water and Mulch

Water the tree thoroughly after planting
Apply a mulch of compost, bark, or straw around the base, keeping it away from the stem
This retains moisture and suppresses weeds

Step 6: Stake and Tie

Most young apple trees need support in their first few years.

Use a 60–90cm stake, positioned on the windward side
Secure with a soft tree tie, allowing room for trunk growth
Check ties twice a year to avoid constriction

Caring for Young Apple Trees

1. Watering

Water regularly during the first two years, especially in dry spells
Avoid overwatering or waterlogging

2. Feeding

In spring, feed with a balanced fertiliser (e.g., Growmore or blood, fish & bone)
Top up mulch annually to improve soil and suppress weeds

3. Weed Control

Keep the area around the base weed-free
Competing plants can reduce water and nutrient availability

How to Prune Bare Root Apple Trees

First Winter After Planting (Formative Pruning):

For bush trees:

Prune main stem to about 75cm above soil
Cut back side branches to 2–3 buds, encouraging a well-shaped framework

For trained trees (cordons or espaliers):

Prune the main leader and sides to form shape
Use a trellis or wires for support

Subsequent Years:

Prune in winter (Nov–Feb) to maintain shape
Prune again in summer (July–Aug) to control vigour and improve fruiting

Pollination: Ensuring a Good Harvest

Apples need cross-pollination from a different variety in the same pollination group.

How to Ensure Pollination:

Plant at least two compatible varieties nearby
Check overlapping flowering times
Encourage bees by planting pollinator-friendly flowers
Neighbouring gardens often provide suitable pollinators too

Triploid varieties (e.g., Bramley) need two pollinators, not just one.

When and How to Harvest Apples

Harvesting Timeframe:

Apple Type	Harvest Window (UK)
Early (e.g. Discovery)	Late July – August
Mid-season (e.g. James Grieve)	September
Late (e.g. Bramley)	October – early November

How to Harvest:

Lift and twist gently—ripe apples should come away easily
Handle carefully to avoid bruising
Use straight away or store in cool, dark, dry conditions

Storing Apples

Use ventilated crates or racks
Keep varieties separate—some ripen faster
Store only blemish-free fruit
Check regularly and remove any that start to rot

Common Apple Tree Problems and Solutions

Issue	Symptoms	Solution
Apple scab	Cracked, scabby fruit	Choose resistant varieties, rake fallen leaves
Canker	Sunken lesions on branches	Prune out affected areas, improve airflow
Aphids	Curling leaves, sticky residue	Spray with soapy water or encourage predators
Woolly aphid	Cottony growth on bark	Scrub off with brush, treat with horticultural oil
Codling moth	Worms in fruit	Use pheromone traps in June, harvest promptly

Training Apple Trees (Optional)

Perfect for small spaces or formal gardens:

Cordon:

Single upright stem
Ideal for narrow borders or fences
Plant 45cm apart, prune annually

Espalier:

Horizontal tiers along a wall
Beautiful and productive
Requires support wires and regular pruning

Fan:

Branches radiate from central trunk
Great for sunny walls
Excellent use of vertical space

Conclusion

Growing apples from bare root trees is a cost-effective and deeply satisfying way to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit in your garden for decades. With proper planting, staking, and care in the first few years, your tree will reward you with beautiful blossoms in spring and crisp apples in autumn.

Whether you’re starting a mini orchard or planting a single dwarf tree in a pot, following this guide ensures a strong foundation for success.