B-118 Rootstocks

[Bowsnbucks]

I was reading yesterday on ACN's (Adams County Nursery - Pa.) web catalog. They list the various rootstocks that they graft their trees to. In the description for B-118, they say that it doesn't anchor well, though it's considered a free-standing tree. It's the first I noticed such a description about B-118 from a well-regarded nursery such as ACN. B-118 is rated to grow a tree about 85% of standard size apple trees. Most of us on here have some B-118 trees. Leaning is a problem for some of us & our trees - other guys have no problem with leaning.

I thought I'd post that info from a qualified nursery source. FWIW.

 

[gunfun13]

When I was first getting into fruit tree plantings B118 was the go to recommendation for wildlife plantings...well M111 for heavier soils and clay, B118 for light or sandy soils. I have sand. A couple years later I started grafting, and went to purchase 100 rootstocks. I was later in the year and everyone was out of B118. I was disappointed but purchased M111 in its place. What a blessing that turned out to be. Over half my B118s have substantial leaning problems.

 

[Native Hunter]

MM111 trees stand like a brick wall for me, but I've had horrible luck with B118. All of them lean, and several have gone completely down.

Last year my biggest surviving B118 tree (an Arkansas Black) finally went down. I had it braced with 2 T-posts, and the T-post went down with the tree. All other nearby apples on MM111 and Dolgo (without any bracing) stood just fine.

People can plant whatever they want to plant, but I don't need any more evidence for my personal choices.