How many trees can I plant??

yau_yen

Hello there, doing some research about what trees I can plant in my garden which I am having dug up next month.  A couple of questions. I was hoping to select a couple of fruit trees and ornamentals, but see that they should be planted later in the year/beginning of the year, so missed the window.  Planning ahead then, how many trees could I sensibly plant?  It is approx. 6m x 10m, north-west facing (Birmingham, suburbs).  The trees would be planted on both of the long sides.

Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks Yen

Obelixx

You need to research eventual sizes and plant each one with enough space all round to attain its eventual width whilst also taking note of their eventual height as they will cast shade and make other plants difficult to grow if you choose, for example, sun lovers.

The other thing to consider is planting at a safe distance form the house so that the roots don't undermine your foundations and their great propensity to suck up massive volumes of water doesn't also have a negative effect on your foundations or your neighbours.

6m x 10 m is pretty small so maybe consider instead growing a few espaliered or fan trained or cordon fruit trees especially against your bottom fence or boundary and the further parts of your side boundaries where they will get maximum sun for ripening fruit.

yau_yen

Thanks for the swift reply.  Going to have to do more research!  May go for a couple of small ornamental instead if that is an easier option.

josusa47

Also remember that most fruit trees need another one nearby to pollinate it.  Even those that are advertised as self-fertile often produce more fruit if they have a pollinator.

DampGardenMan

Get yourself a copy of The Very Small Garden by Martin Baxendale. There is an entire chapter on choosing trees for small gardens.

Blue Onion

This past week Beechgrove Garden on the BBC did a section on a trial they are conducting on 'skinny' trees, that don't take up much horizontal space.  Worth watching on the iPlayer on catch-up.  Last year they also did a section on dwarf trees for small gardens, which they quickly mention as part of last weeks.  You could get an idea of what looks good for your space.