FAQs
What is a maiden?
A
maiden fruit tree is simply a one year old tree, it may have little or no
side shoots or feathers in varieties such as Bramley, Spartan or Worcester
or may have many in examples such as Cox's Orange Pippin, Tydaman's Late
Orange or Red Pippin. Many varieties will fall somewhere in between.
When will I receive my trees?
Lifting
normally commences during November; this varies from season to season. It
is important not to lift to early as this can lead to desiccation and
dieback in unripe shoots. Once lifting starts we need to clear the backlog
of orders and then we send trees out daily with our carrier.
How will the trees arrive?
Your trees will
be carefully packed and finally sleeved to protect them, they will then be
put on a carrier and should arrive with you in two to three days. Should
you experience any problems with delivery and damage to trees please
notify us at once and we will sort out the problem for you.
What shall I do upon arrival?
Upon arrival
you should inspect your trees to make sure they are not damaged in any way
and then if possibly heel them in until you are able to plant them, if the
delay is only over night then they can remain bagged up in a dark cool
garage until planting. At any time it is vitally important NOT to let the
roots dry out.
How do I plant my new trees?
Carefully
prepare a hole large enough to accommodate the roots fork over the bottom
of the hole to break up any pan that may be present and incorporate some
organic matter, make sure it is well rotted as fresh material can scorch
the root system. We would advise staking newly planted trees even on
strong rootstocks while they establish and weak rooted stock should be
securely staked for life. Plant the tree to the same depth as it was grown
in the nursery, planting deeper than this can lead to scion rooting or
collar rot. Spread the roots out in the hole and backfill being careful
not to leave pockets of air. Having finished planting attach a tie and if
the ground is on the dry side water in.
How do I prune my new trees?
After planting
only the leader need pruning, on a featherless variety remove
approximately one third of the height of the tree and on feathered
varieties remove the top 20 cm above the top feather.
Do my trees need protection?
If you are
living out in the country with abundant wildlife around the chances are
that rabbits may cause you a problem, we recommend the use of spiral
guards and tree guards where appropriate, we carry these as stock items.
Can I let my new trees fruit?
During the
first growing season you should really pick off any fruits the tree sets
as it is important the tree establishes a good root system before it tries
to think about producing fruit. In the second year it is possible to leave
a small amount of fruit but don't over do it!
What is a traditional hedge mix?
There is
no such thing! A good way to start is to look at hedges locally in your
area and see which species are doing well and make up your own mix from
that. A good basis to work on is 50% Hawthorn, 20% Field maple, 10%
Blackthorn, Myrobolan, Bullace , 20% a mixture of minor species like
Hazel, Dogwood, Guelder Rose, Buckthorn, Dog rose.
What if you don't have what I am looking for?
We can try and trace plants you are having difficulty
finding. Please contact us for any help.
Can I collect my order?
By prior
arrangement we can have your order ready for you to collect at your
convenience. This will obviously save you the carriage and collection will be from our garden centre which is open 7 days a week. Click here for directions.
How can we pay?
You can pay by cash,
cheque or credit card. For orders that we
dispatch, we require payment prior to the goods being sent out. All cheques should be made payable to Foundry Nurseries.
What if you are out of stock on a variety I have ordered?
We do not substitute varieties. We will contact you to discuss any alternatives.
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