Addendum Tenancy Agreement 3.2.1 Planting new fruit trees on your plot
This rule covers the planting of new fruit trees on plots and is designed to enable the managed cultivation of the trees and to stop the impact the trees could have on other plots, for example casting shade.
Existing trees on plots will be managed on an individual basis with plot holders as part of the ongoing site management and monitored during plot inspections. This rule for new trees has been developed from sources such as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and with reference to existing rules in place on other allotment sites.
No trees other than those producing edible fruit should be planted on plots as specified in the tenancy agreement. Fruit trees must have dwarf rootstocks (for example M9 or M27 for apples, quince C for pears, Pixy for plums and G5 for cherries) to ensure they’re manageable, and don’t grow over 2.4m metres tall.
Fruit trees such as Bramley’s apple, taller plum, and damson trees are not suitable as they will outgrow the space available. Dwarf fruit trees including apple, pear, cherry, and smaller plum trees can be grown in restricted form.
Planting distances should be in accordance with RHS guidance, for example for M9 rootstock trees, a minimum of 2.4m from other trees or boundaries and M27 rootstock, trees it should be a minimum of 1.2m. The trees should be pruned in accordance with appropriate guidance to ensure maximum yield, to keep the tree healthy and to the correct dimensions, so there are no branches overhanging pathways or neighbouring plots and no shade cast on neighbouring plots.
Fruit trees are included within the 25% non-cultivated area on a plot unless the soil underneath them is used to grow ground level crops or flowers, then the area can be considered as being under cultivation. This is to prevent large areas being used as orchards or lawns as there are specific areas on site devoted to these purposes.
Before planting fruit trees, the plot holder should consult with a member of the committee to ensure the proposed planting is compliant with the rule. Once planted the plot inspections will monitor compliance on pruning and cultivation of soil beneath the trees as appropriate.
Existing trees on plots will be managed on an individual basis with plot holders as part of the ongoing site management and monitored during plot inspections. This rule for new trees has been developed from sources such as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and with reference to existing rules in place on other allotment sites.
No trees other than those producing edible fruit should be planted on plots as specified in the tenancy agreement. Fruit trees must have dwarf rootstocks (for example M9 or M27 for apples, quince C for pears, Pixy for plums and G5 for cherries) to ensure they’re manageable, and don’t grow over 2.4m metres tall.
Fruit trees such as Bramley’s apple, taller plum, and damson trees are not suitable as they will outgrow the space available. Dwarf fruit trees including apple, pear, cherry, and smaller plum trees can be grown in restricted form.
Planting distances should be in accordance with RHS guidance, for example for M9 rootstock trees, a minimum of 2.4m from other trees or boundaries and M27 rootstock, trees it should be a minimum of 1.2m. The trees should be pruned in accordance with appropriate guidance to ensure maximum yield, to keep the tree healthy and to the correct dimensions, so there are no branches overhanging pathways or neighbouring plots and no shade cast on neighbouring plots.
Fruit trees are included within the 25% non-cultivated area on a plot unless the soil underneath them is used to grow ground level crops or flowers, then the area can be considered as being under cultivation. This is to prevent large areas being used as orchards or lawns as there are specific areas on site devoted to these purposes.
Before planting fruit trees, the plot holder should consult with a member of the committee to ensure the proposed planting is compliant with the rule. Once planted the plot inspections will monitor compliance on pruning and cultivation of soil beneath the trees as appropriate.
