Custom-Grafted Fruit Trees
The first apple on one of the nursery sale trees in a 5-gallon container. The graft was made 18 months previously on a super dwarf EMLA 27 rootstock.
Dwarf and very dwarf apple trees
We recommend Dwarf trees because of they are easier to care for, easier to protect from weather, and easy to grow in limited space.
When planted and cared for properly, dwarf trees do equally well living in large containers or in the ground. Plus, they begin to bear fruit much more quickly than standard and semi-dwarf trees.
“Dwarf trees are much easier to protect from freezing conditions, extreme heat, wind, hail, pests and animals.”
Custom grafting service
Although grafting is not 100 percent foolproof, we have a very high success rate. When you order a custom-grafted tree we will grow it in a container at Isle of Sky Nursery and have it ready for pickup and planting in the Fall of the same year.
“Many people visit their trees here at the nursery during the summer to watch their progress.”
Custom-made trees are a unique and wonderful gift for anyone of any age. A custom tree from an old family heirloom tree is a living legacy to hand down to future generations.
Rootstock OPtions
The rootstock dictates the size of the tree, not the size of the apple.
We use a variety of hardy, proven rootstocks including:
EMLA 27 — A very hardy rootstock which can easily be maintained at a height of only four to six feet. It is ideal for containers and very small yards. Hardy to -30 degrees.
BUDAGOVSKY 9 or BUD 9 — A very hardy rootstock which can be maintained at six to 10 feet in height. It is suitable for large container or small yards and espaliers. Hardy to -30 degrees.
PAJAM 2 - Dwarf rootstock we have found to be successful in our high desert conditions.
GENEVA 210 - Another dwarf-size rootstock that has shown to be versatile and successful for our unique environment.
PLEASE NOTE: We are constantly experimenting with “tried and true” and newly introduced apple rootstocks here in the Nursery. Please visit the Nursery to see what we have available in containers for sale.
SEMI-DWARF SIZE — By custom order. Depending upon the variety of apple grafted on, they can reach more than 15 feet in height. These are not suitable for container growing or small spaces, although they can be sometimes trellised or espaliered.
OTHER POPULAR TREE FRUITS - also available include:
Heirloom pears, quinces, apricots, plums and peaches which are all grafted onto very hardy proven rootstocks that are semi-dwarf in size and generally do not exceed 15 feet tall. Most of these trees can be pruned and kept at manageable sizes for smaller spaces or espaliered on a wall or fence.
RECommendations for selecting apple Varieties for YOUR Custom trees
Although most varieties of apple trees require another variety for pollination, many of our delicious Heirlooms are self-pollinating. It is often possible for us to graft a second or multiple varieties onto a custom ordered tree.
Quinces, pears, apricot, plums and peaches
These fruits are most consistent fruiting in areas without extreme winter cold, generally below 6,000 feet elevation. Nevertheless, we have searched the higher elevations for old trees which have shown great cold resistance and good fruiting traits. Every year more varieties are being offered to our customers.
Ask us about our newest discoveries found in the lost places.
The DEADLINE for ordering custom-grafted fruit trees is by the end of JANUARY