Fruit Tree Rootstock Basics

Retired UT Extension Agent, Mike Dennison, talks about fruit tree rootstocks. Rootstocks are the roots of one tree fruit onto which the top of another fruit tree is grafted. This is the preferred method for growing many different kinds of fruit trees. Rootstocks are chosen because they are more prolific and faster growing than tree from seed. Apples, pears, peaches, plums and nectarines are grown on rootstock. If you plant a seed from these trees the plant will probably not do as well or last as long as if it had been on a rootstock. Also, because of cross pollination, you don’t know what fruit you are going to get. Because of this it is best to purchase a grafted tree of the variety you want with the rootstock that will do well in your area. Mike gives a list of rootstocks that do well in Tennessee for many different fruits. This list will be different in other states. Contact your local Extension office to find out what rootstocks do best in your area.
Rootstocks also determine the final height of the tree in apples. Depending on what rootstock you choose the tree can be anywhere from 8 feet to 50 feet tall.

Mike was referring to the UT Extension publication: Home Fruit Tree Plan

Related Videos:
Fruit Tree Planting Tips
Fruit Tree Pruning
Spraying Peach Trees

Related Resources:
Fruits and Nuts Home Fruit Tree Plan
Fruit Culture in Alabama Recommended Rootstocks
Growing Fruit: Grafting Fruit Trees in the Home Orchard