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Home Orchards: Table 4.3 Apple and Pear Tree Spacings on Various Rootstocks
Informational table showing apple and pear tree spacings and probable yields on various rootstocks.
Updated:
June 21, 2023
| Rootstock | Approximate Size (% Seedling) |
Suggested Spacing (ft) |
Average Yields for Trees at Least 10 Years Old (Bushels) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple: | |||
| Budagovsky 9 | 25 | 3 x 12 | 1 to 2 |
| Malling 9 | 35 | 3-5 x 12 | 1 to 2 |
| Geneva 41 | 35 | 4-5 x 12 | 1 to 2 |
| Budagovsky 10 | 40 | 7-8 x 12-14 | 3 to 4 |
| Malling 26 | 40 | 8 x 16 | 3 to 4 |
| Geneva 935 | 40-45 | 7-8 x 12-14 | 3 to 4 |
| Malling 7 or 7A | 60 | 12 x 20 | 10 to 12 |
| Interstem treesa | 40 | 12 x 20 | 10 to 12 |
| Malling Merton 111b | 70 | 18 x 26 | 20 to 25 |
| Pear: | |||
| Interstem trees | 10 x 18 | 5 to 10 | |
| Seedling | 20 x 28 | 15 or more |
a. Apple interstem trees are composed of either MM. 106 or MM. 111 roots, a 6- to 8-inch stempiece of M. 9 or M. 27, and the scion variety on top. Pear interstem trees are composed of Quince root, a 6- to 8-inch piece of Old Home trunk, plus the desired scion.
b. Malling Merton trees require extremely well-drained soils to perform as advertised. Do not plant them where drainage is slow or the soil is heavy clay.
