Orchard trees

Orchards are areas of trees and shrubs planted for food, usually fruit. Orchards are useful as well as beautiful and they can also be important for wildlife. Orchards were a staple of UK life until the 1950s when mass produced fruit became available. The decline of orchards has created a loss of biodiverse hotspots for wildlife. Orchards are perfect for pollinators, and fruit trees age quickly which creates essential deadwood habitats. Similarly, they create the perfect habitat for invertebrates and birds, including the spotted woodpecker. Glorious Woodlands will normally create your orchard at the edges of your woodland or in a large clearing. 

You can choose from the large variety of trees and shrubs which produce food such as fig trees and chestnuts. Orchards can grow many shrubs and trees that produce food including: apples, pears, hazelnuts, cherries, plums and walnuts. 

Fruit trees are grown on rootstocks which affect the growth and fruiting potential of the tree. For large gardens and orchards, standard or half-standard trees on semi-dwarfing rootstocks may be suitable. 

The best choice for planting are two-year-old, partly trained trees. One-year-old maiden trees, available as bare-rooted from specialist suppliers are the cheapest. Glorious Woodlands will careful prune fruit trees for at least three years to form a balanced framework of branches. Buying trees over four years old is not recommended as they are slow to establish.