Step-over trained fruit trees

What are step-over trained fruit trees?

Step-over trained trees are useful for growing fruit trees where space is limited or as a decorative feature particularly to separate plots or borders in the garden. Step-overs consist of a short vertical trunk and a single horizontal arm extending one way or a single tier of two arms extending both ways from the trunk to form a “T” shape. The arms would bear short lateral branches or spurs on which fruit is produced. The shape is brought about by pruning and training. The horizontal arms would typically be 50cm (20 inches) above ground. Mature step-over trees would typically have a span of  1.5-1.8m (5-6ft).

Step-over trees need a set of horizontal wires for support. They also need appropriate summer pruning to maintain and develop the form.

Step-over training is usually done with apple and pear trees. Plums, cherries and other stone fruit trees not suitable for step-over training.

Training a step-over

You need to start with a maiden (untrained one year old) tree on a suitable rootstock. Two year old trees trained in other forms would not be suitable. Training your own tree gives the additional flexibility of choosing from a larger range of varieties

The rootstock most commonly used for apples is M27 but  M9 can be used for locations with poor soil or for longer or double step-overs.

Quince C is the recommended rootstock for pears.

Most varieties are suitable for training, but tip bearers should be avoided. You can find out if a variety is a tip or spur bearer by referring to the characteristics page for that variety on our website.