1. Pick a sunny, open site near a south or west-facing fence. Dig a wide, deep planting hole in front of a post, so the branches of the tree can be trained to cover the fence panels on either side. Make the hole near the fence so the tree can be positioned very close to it.
2. Prepare the planting hole well, because an apple tree will fruit for years if given a good start. Fork over the base of the hole, breaking up the subsoil to improve drainage, and mix in well-rotted compost. Sprinkle in a generous handful of fertiliser and dig it in.
3. Soak the roots of bare-rooted apple trees in water for a few hours before planting. The hole needs to be large enough for the roots to be spread out, so dig it out a little more if it looks cramped. This tree has two tiers of branches ready to be trained on support wires.
4. Fill in around the roots, using soil improved with added compost and fertiliser. Tease it in among the roots, firming gently to remove any air pockets. Ensure the bulbous graft union at the base of the stem sits above soil level. This should never be buried.