Tree suppliers

Whilst cider tree nurseries and specialists are few and far between, lists of them online are numerous and of varying quality. In order to provide something a little more meaningful, we want to list those suppliers of whom members of the group have had first hand experience. This way, we hope you are not blindly buying - especially given the cost and life expectancy of the trees.

Most general equipment can be easily purchased from such places as B&Q, Homebase, garden centres etc. For those planting new trees this would include stakes, ties and mesh, bonemeal and equipment to prune and train. Cost will vary.

Tree Suppliers

MelWilson - They do a decent selection of cider apples and do the cordons or espaliers. Adam is really helpful (hopefully helping us put a Leicestershire collection together soon, which is my only connection to them).

  • Ashridge Trees - Cross Grove Barn, Castle Cary, Somerset. BA7 7NJ Tel: 01963 359444

JezH – Bought 3 x bare root maidens in 2009. Very efficient – ordering online can be a risky business, as you don’t get to ‘see’ what you are buying – however there were no problems at all. Good communication – even when they couldn’t get the trees ready because of all the snow! All 3 have established well and are healthy.

  • Bernwode Plants - Kingswood Lane, Ludgershall, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9RB Tel: 01844 237415

JezH – I wanted some rare cider varieties and Bernwode certainly specialise in this. They were very helpful in choosing the right trees – they definitely care about what they do! Cost of delivery is quite high, although I bought potted trees because of nearing the end of the planting season. They will graft onto rootstocks if you can provide the wood – especially so if it’s a rare type. Finding them can be a bit tricky. It is worth getting their catalogue which, even though you have to pay for it, is very descriptive. A huge range of varieties (although not always available).

MarkShirley - I have bought all my trees from Deacon's who are an M26 (semi-dwarfing) rootstock specialist, though M25 and M27 also available. 8 good cider varieties are currently listed, plus two perry pears.

RayBlockley - I have used Deacons since 1999, they grow a lot of stuff on MM106 as well as the rootstocks Mark mentions. Other than Deacons, the rest has come from Scott's of Merriott.

  • Scotts Nurseries - Merriott, Crewkerne, Somerset

Sadly, following the passing of one of the main team and commercial pressures, Scotts have now closed.

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