can fruit trees be planted in a field that has gravel?
We are looking for land because we have decided to move! So, I have an eye on a beautiful field. But the owner says it is gravel.under the grass. Will I be able to plant trees there? I have dreams of a small orchard, but I hope that the trees would be able to.grow here.
Hi Sheeshshe,
A lot depends on just how deep the surface soil level is.
Apple trees...especially those on dwarfing or semi dwarfing rootstocks ...have relatively shallow root systems. So providing there is a couple of foot or so of top soil they would grow.
But....on gravel they are going to need a good irrigation system. They need plenty of water and gravel beds are not exactly the best water retainers. Also fertilisers would leach through very quickly so regular input of feed and organic material would be needed.
I would suggest that stock like a 9or 106 might do the job...but nothing stronger.
Get that actual depth measured first though.
One other thing that would help enormously is to covor the area around each tree with a thick mulch.
A lot depends on just how deep the surface soil level is.
Apple trees...especially those on dwarfing or semi dwarfing rootstocks ...have relatively shallow root systems. So providing there is a couple of foot or so of top soil they would grow.
But....on gravel they are going to need a good irrigation system. They need plenty of water and gravel beds are not exactly the best water retainers. Also fertilisers would leach through very quickly so regular input of feed and organic material would be needed.
I would suggest that stock like a 9or 106 might do the job...but nothing stronger.
Get that actual depth measured first though.
One other thing that would help enormously is to covor the area around each tree with a thick mulch.
I guess I have more questions to ask when I talk to the owner 
I know he brought in topsoil at some point for his own land, because he said he had a pile still sitting there. He would know the depth though, as he excavated his land to get the gravel to sell off. there's also a gravel pit near by, so my guess is that the gravel is deep. I really want to buy a field and not a wooded lot, however there aren't many choices out there at all 
This piece of land is beautiful, however I need it to also be functional.
I know he brought in topsoil at some point for his own land, because he said he had a pile still sitting there. He would know the depth though, as he excavated his land to get the gravel to sell off. there's also a gravel pit near by, so my guess is that the gravel is deep. I really want to buy a field and not a wooded lot, however there aren't many choices out there at all This piece of land is beautiful, however I need it to also be functional.