fruit tree planting

Morning all from erein Norfolk,wet and cold ,right Kates standing in for me and planting 5 trees today ish, 4 apples and a green gauge, weve selected a nice part of the lawn ,now can we plant similar to an orchard with the grass put back around the tree ,or do we need to give each tree soil around it to begin with until its settled in for a couple of years, ok how much room do they want between each other , were going to grow to about 12/18 feet high if we can ,that will look really good and the neighbours are all agreeing they will be good at that size and have put in there orders for apples and plums in 2016 hopefully,iv sorted pollination out so no probs there soil and seaweed good to go so hope iv not missed anything ,stakes are ready as well ,,ok good luck all
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Hi Alan - this http://www.orangepippintrees.co.uk/articles/fruit-tree-spacing-guide is a helpful guide to planting distances
and
No, don't let the grass grow up to the trunk - I'd leave a circle a yard in diameter around them to mulch and feed (don't let mulch touch the bark).
Tell Kate she's doing a grand job and make her a
when she's finished
Alan
And as advised Kate gets a reward in the local tonight Vodka ,n,Coke n a pintobitta B lucky Alan
Good free-draining sandy loam like wot we have here!
Apparently this area used to be cherry and plum orchards before it was built on - there's lots of Mirabelle-type fruits in the hedgerows come early autumn.
Oooh, if I'm not driving mine's a pint of Adnams! OH will have Broadside!
Look what I saw the other day when visiting my Aged Ps
OH wants to come with me next time!!!!!!!!!!!!
I should think half a gallon per tree is about right given the weather we're having - it's when the buds begin to swell that they might need more if we get a dry spring - I mean, how much more rain can there be up there?