We shelled out over $300 on 6 columnar apple trees, which prompted me to ask about cheaper alternatives. As my husband reminds me over and over, sometimes the most frugal option is not the cheapest. We have to account for our design plans, our goals and our time. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I reluctantly admit that he is right.
Why columnar apple trees? They grow apples along the vertical axis rather than on the limbs, which creates a more streamlined design. This means that we can plant more trees in the same area than traditional apple trees. Additionally, Derek chose varieties that ripen at different times so that we are not harvesting all at once. We will be able to enjoy fresh, wax-free, pesticide free, ripe apples throughout the season. A longer harvesting season appeals to me greatly as I will be the one processing all of these fruits. I have so enjoyed pulling out bags of frozen apple slices for baked oatmeal this year, and am looking forward to using apples we have grown on our land. Pies, apple butter, cabbage and apples, jellies….ah yeah.
Varieties include Scarlet Sentinel, Blushing Delight, Tangy Green, Tasty Red, Golden Treat, Northpole, and Golden Sentinel. New varieties are being developed in France as well.
A standard root stock apple tree grows up to 20 feet tall and between 15-20 feet wide, with bushels of apples produced of varying quality. In contrast, columnar apple trees grow to 10 feet tall and 2 feet wide. At full production, they can produce about 10 pounds of apples per apple tree. Columnar apple trees were selected from dwarf and semi-dwarf root stock. They can be planted on 4 to 5 foot centers, which can create hedge rows, shade, or as a signature plant in landscape design.
I am such a newbie to growing food, and find myself asking silly questions. Would it be possible to prune traditional apple trees into columnar designs much like pruning topiaries or bonsai trees? Short answer: yes, if you have loads of time and expertise. Apparently, columnar apple trees have been selected to grow vertically. Pruning your own would take years, if you could even do it.
Derek values beauty and efficiency, and columnar apples allow for more efficient apple picking and pruning, reinforcing our lazy gardener concept. No ladders needed for my 6’4” husband. Can’t vouch for me.
Now, we are anxiously awaiting our shipment, which is expected sometime this spring. I am anticipating the shade, beauty, and smell of our columnar apple trees.