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Patio fruit trees in the lawn

Pam285Pam285 Posts: 98
in Fruit & veg
i had been debating weather to remove the lawn entirely but feel that’s a step too far. Instead I would appreciate advice on creating a mini orchard by planting four patio sized fruit trees: apple, pear, plum and cherry.  They are on dwarf rootstock. 
Saltaire, West Yorkshire

Posts

  • Pam285Pam285 Posts: 98

    Saltaire, West Yorkshire
  • Pam285Pam285 Posts: 98
    Garden is south facing. pe your comment
    Saltaire, West Yorkshire
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    edited March 2019
    You'll need to keep an area (about 2-3 feet across) of ground clear of grass and weeds around the trunks as young fruit trees can't compete with those and won't establish well.
    I'm not sure how that fits in with your plans, but how about keeping your best area of grass, lifting the rest and planting the trees in an area covered with bark?
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 4,725
    Yes I would maybe make the lawn smaller and give the trees their own area 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,056
    edited March 2019
    How about creating a step-over cordon? 

    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/nov/16/alys-fowler-step-over-apples
  • Pam285Pam285 Posts: 98
     Food for thought. Many thanks for all your contributions. 😊
    Saltaire, West Yorkshire
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