Subject: [NAFEX] Opinions on tree size and spacing
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 17:01:11 -0400
You might want to check out the Penn State Tree Fruit
Production Guide online (http://tfpg.cas.psu.edu/). One
system (French Axe) that seems to be gaining popularity,
is using M9 and growing them to be 10-14 ft. tall. (M9 in
general, also Bud 9, P2, and G16). For Spur or weak growing
types, M26 or G30).
Also there can be a huge variation in size depending on
cultivar - in the NE variety trial in PA on M9 Enterprise
grew 176% of standard (standard was G. Delicious on M9), and
HoneyCrisp grew 57% of standard. These were the widest
variations. So if you can determine vigor of a variety
you might want to try to "match" it to the right rootstock.