If there is one subject that causes the most confusion when buying fruit trees, it's rootstocks. Customers often ask why the same apple variety is available in several different sizes, or why one 'Cox's Orange Pippin' might grow to just 2 metres while another reaches 6 metres or more.

The answer lies beneath the soil.

Nearly all fruit trees are grafted, meaning the fruiting variety (known as the scion) is joined to the roots of a different tree, called the rootstock. This technique has been used for centuries and allows growers to combine the excellent fruit quality of a named variety with a root system chosen for its vigour, reliability and adaptability.

The rootstock doesn't change the flavour, colour or quality of the fruit. An 'Egremont Russet' will always produce the same distinctive apples, whether it's grown on a dwarf or vigorous rootstock. What changes is how large the tree becomes, how quickly it begins fruiting, how much support it needs and how much space it requires.

Choosing the right rootstock is just as important as choosing the right variety. A tree that is perfectly suited to one garden may be completely unsuitable for another simply because of the rootstock it's grown on.

What does a rootstock affect?

The rootstock influences many characteristics of the finished tree, including:

• The mature height and spread
• How soon the tree begins cropping
• The overall vigour of growth
• Whether permanent staking is required
• Suitability for containers or open ground
• Tolerance of different soil conditions
• Long-term maintenance requirements

For most gardeners, tree size is the most important consideration. It's worth remembering that the dimensions shown in our product descriptions are approximate, as soil fertility, rainfall, pruning and local conditions all influence the eventual size of the tree.

Apple Rootstocks Explained

At RV Roger Ltd, we supply apple trees on a range of rootstocks to suit everything from small patios to traditional orchards.

Rootstock	Approx. Height	Best For	Permanent Stake?
M27	1.5–2m	Containers, patios and very small gardens	Yes
M26	2.5–3.5m	Small, very sheltered gardens	Usually
MM106	3.5–4.5m	Larger gardens and small orchards	Possibly when establishing
M25	5–6m+	Traditional orchards	No

These measurements are intended as a guide. Rich soil, regular watering and light pruning can produce larger trees, while poorer soils or more restrictive pruning will reduce their final size.

Which rootstock should I choose?

For patios and small gardens

If space is very limited, dwarfing rootstocks such as M27 or M26 are excellent choices. They produce compact trees that begin fruiting relatively quickly. Because their root systems are smaller and more shallow, they need regular watering during dry periods and should remain permanently staked throughout their lives.

For the average family garden

For many customers, M106 offers the best balance. Trees remain compact enough to prune and harvest easily, while producing generous crops once established. This is often our recommendation where space allows for a free-standing bush tree but a full orchard tree would be too large. MM106 is one of the most versatile rootstocks available. It develops a stronger root system than dwarfing stocks, requires less long-term support and produces substantial crops for many years.

For orchards and larger gardens

Where space is no object and you're planting a traditional orchard that future generations can enjoy, M25 creates magnificent full-sized trees with impressive longevity.

What is a graft union?

Every grafted fruit tree has a visible swelling or join on the lower part of the trunk where the fruit variety has been grafted onto the rootstock. This is known as the graft union. When planting, it's essential that the graft union remains above soil level.

If it becomes buried, the fruiting variety may produce its own roots. Should this happen, the rootstock no longer controls the tree's size and the tree may become much more vigorous than intended. Keeping the graft union clear of the soil helps ensure the tree performs exactly as expected.

What is a maiden fruit tree?

Many fruit trees are sold as maiden trees. A maiden is a young tree that has completed one growing season since grafting. Although they may appear quite simple compared with older specimens, maiden trees establish quickly and provide an excellent framework for future development through formative pruning.

This allows gardeners to shape the tree to suit their available space, whether they intend to grow a traditional bush, a half-standard tree or a trained form such as a cordon or espalier.

Does a bigger rootstock mean better fruit?

No. This is one of the most common misconceptions. A larger rootstock does not produce larger apples, sweeter pears or better-quality fruit. Fruit quality is determined by the variety, growing conditions and good orchard management—not by the rootstock itself. The role of the rootstock is to control the tree's growth and make that variety suitable for different gardens and growing situations.

Expert tip from RV Roger

When choosing a fruit tree, don't start by asking "Which variety should I buy?" Start by asking "How much space do I have?"

Once you've chosen the correct rootstock for your garden, selecting the right variety becomes much easier. A well-matched tree will establish more quickly, be easier to manage and reward you with healthy growth and reliable harvests for many years.