Column fruit trees? Views?

[Leavesonthewashingline]

I have never much liked the look of these but am now wondering about getting some to have at my allotment. What do people think? Are they a good idea or a gimmick?

certainly they are not a gimmick. They are tall and narrow and produce fruit. Good for small spaces and won't create shadow in your small garden, so you can still grow other items.

We have an espaliered apple tree along a fence and it's fantastic, although it takes attention to maintain.

Espalier is the other option. I reckon it’s 7 or 8 columns, or 2 espaliers.

am thinking of buying from Chris Bowers but reviews aren’t great.

If you have a wall are you going to do that thing (please insert correct horticultural term which I have forgotten) where you plant them at a 45 degree angle to encourage fruiting? I have always fancied trying that.

We did that (cordon) and it wasn’t great… No wall here tho and better soil and sun so am (as a gardener needs to be), optimistic!

Columns give you the opportunity of more varieties, either for a greater range of tastes or to spread the eating season, eg 1 that has to be eaten immediately, 2-3 for Sept-Nov, and 4 to take you right through to March.

I’ve recently bought quinces and medlars from Chris Bowers, healthy well grown trees (small, but that’s what I paid for) and beautifully wrapped

@MereDintofPandiculation thats encouraging! I’d like to give it a go but TrustPilot knocked my confidence! You don’t realise your mistakes for years w fruit trees so I’d rather not make stupid errors