Fruit tree quandry...advice welcome

Dubloon

I have a 1.5 metre space between our boundary fence (2 metres high) and our greenhouse (2 metres plus sloping roof). The area gets a lot of sun but can be a frost pocket in winter (we are near Edinburgh). This space is unused and unloved. I wondered about growing a couple of fruit trees in this space (access would not be too much of a problem). However, is this a daft idea given the tight space involved or might it work? As I write this the more I think it is a daft idea. Be gentle....thank you comrades.

Flinster

Would espalier trees work using the boundary fence?

Dubloon

I did consider this Flinster, thanks. Definitely a possibility but I do prefer the standard tree. 

Fire

Would a tree not cause potential problems for the greenhouse? Shade, potential damage from twigs/wind/fruit, roots? Would fruit bushes work there?

Blue Onion

I would go with fruit bushes.. less troublesome.  Red currents?  Black currents?  Blueberries?  The added benefit of the space is it should be easy to net off.  Just put a net roof between the fence and greenhouse.. and along the ends!  

hogweed

What about ballerina fruit trees? They would not cause a problem with the greenhouse and are certainly hardy. 

Dubloon

Great advice folks. Ballerina trees are not for me but fruit bushes are a nice idea. Good points about potential damage to the greenhouse. Helpful to have this sounding board, much appreciated. 

Fire

Good luck with it.

quarteracrefarmhelp

I would go Blueberries , they should do well in Edinburgh, you can put them in a 2 foot high planter bed , hard up against the fence , and the bed only needs to be 600wide, giving you 900 wide thoroughfare beside glasshouse . Blueberries are a good choice because they are easy to manage, as they grow relatively slowly compared with berries , and have soft foliage and no spikes , so walking past them should not be a problem. remember they love acidic soil so choose the right fertilizer and soil mix when planting. try a few different varieties in the bed rather than just one .They are really tasty, expensive to buy, kids love them, and fruit for a decent stretch not just all at once. great idea to use up all the space . Well done you and good luck .