Fruit tree for small garden, no low branches?

[Slowgrowingelm]

I would like to plant a fruit tree in my small London garden. Slight slope so although I have typical London clay it’s not claggy and drains well. Lots of sun. Height isn’t an issue but I would rather not have anything wider than around 4 metres.

I really don’t want something that branches out too low - I don’t necessarily expect to walk underneath the lowest branches but I definitely want something that has clear space underneath and grows up and out (if that makes sense?).

I don’t like cherries so not one of those (although the blossoms are gorgeous ).

I have a childhood nostalgia for crab apples but google isn’t telling me which non weeping varieties grow up and out, and make good jelly. I like the idea of a plum, maybe an apple but I don’t know which variety would work for the size and shape I’d like. I grew up in another country so I’m not completely sure what other types of fruit trees would work here.

I assume I need something that is self pollinating - there are actually quite a few gardens around me so I suspect there are a few different fruit trees nearby but I couldn’t say for sure. Plus I don’t know how close they need to be for cross pollination.

Finally - I’m a shitty gardener so something that can just get on with it, without too much help from me, would be ideal!

Apples are probably the most forgiving of fruit trees. I would suggest going on one of the specialist fruit tree websites such as Orange Pippin Trees. They have a guided search which will work through your site conditions and requirements. Or email them, they are very helpful. If you want a more upright tree avoid a tip bearing apple as these tend to be quite droopy. Pears are quite upright but slower to crop.

A Victoria Plum tree in a good year will give you a great harvest of delicious eating and cokming plums - aka a fruit you can use and might otherwise buy - within 5 years. That would be what I would plant.

Any non-weeping crab apple or apple will grow up and out eventually. You want one on non-dwarfing rootstock such as MM106 so it will form a standard rather than M26 which forms a dwarf standard with low branches. You can prune to the trunk any lower branches that are too low. Try a good fruit tree nursery as they will have a good range of varieties and rootstocks and will be able to advise you. Be quick though we're right at the end of the barefoot season, or you'll have to wait until next Autumn.

Thank you all, I’m browsing Orange Pippin now.
@ConflictofInterest If I have to prune any growing lower branches do I need to apply or paint anything to the ‘cut’ afterwards? I seem to remember my grandfather doing something like this (although to mature trees with quite big branches…).

@Slowgrowingelm no they don't recommend doing that anymore as it can trap infection inside. Initially you'll buy a stick basically so it will be a few years until it gets to the height you want it anyway, so you can just prune out with secateurs the too low ones as it grows up. Depending on what age it is when you buy it you'll probably need to wait a few years for it to grow up a bit first.

How about an opal plum? Or a kaki fruit? Japanese quince are beautiful and good for jam

if its very warm you could get away with a pomegranate

I’ve bought a few apple trees and they have worked out really well. Buy the ones from a garden centre about 5 feet high. You should get apples in their second year even.
the comment about the rootstock is correct so make sure you buy the right type.