Sounds like you planted your trees too close.they're so far behind that unless they can grow in 90% shade they're toast.
Hopefully he has some Dolgo rootstock for 2024! Used some 2 years ago, and I was very impressed.I grafted a bunch of Droptine, Kerr, 30-06 and Winter Wildlife on dolgo rootstock from Bluehill. I'd go that route. Choose the trees you most want and buy the dolgo roots.
Bought from him last year and he said he uses B118 and has some antonovka. What he puts in the ground can vary year from year. I got an enterprise from turkey creek on M111 and one from Whitetail crabs on B118. B118 is doing better. But, I have to wait 2 or 3 years when the tree tries to get past what i rototilled and amended. The B118 might get fat dumb and happy in its 6ft hole.I’m looking whitetail crabs website can’t find a single thing about the rootstock he uses. Do people just know from asking him that he uses B.118?
How long have your grafts been in the ground? Curious how long it would take new grafts to bear fruit.99% of the B118 tress I have planted over the years have been bad leaners, to the extent that they are useless. I will never plant another B118. That is also why I won't buy from anyone who won't tell me what the rootstock is on their trees. I have 30-06 and Droptines that I have bench grafted to Dolgo rootstock. They are doing great and should start fruiting this year. Dolgo and MM111 are the only rootstock I use for my area now.
I asked him and he sent me enough to do like 40 trees.Anyone try burying the graft union on B118 trees? If you get the scion to put out some of its own roots it might make it stronger...
How long have your grafts been in the ground? Curious how long it would take new grafts to bear fruit.
Gunfun13 Those are great pictures. I personally don't have a 10 point yet, but plan on adding one in the future for early season draw. According to the write up for the Ten point tree it says " 10-Point drops September into October. Given it’s smaller tree size, we suggest planting 10-Point at a low percentage ". I think maybe your tree is growing fine...it's supposed to be smaller in size compared to the others.10 Point hasn't grown for me as well as the 30-06 and Droptine next to it, but it puts on alot of fruit and seems to be a good early season draw. This morning and last night.t
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bigboreblr Is that when your 30-06 drops, Sept to Oct ?. According to the website the 30-06 drops fall through the beginning of winter...First day of winter is Dec 21 . I have one 30-06 with a decent crop this year, I haven't seen any drop yet. The " Ten Point" is the tree that drops Sept to Oct.Sept to October drop for 30-06.... I'd just plant a liberty or enterprise instead.
Is winter gold worth it? I have a all winter hangover growing and got scionwood for a few more. Got maybe another 30 seedlings that need grafting, and a dozen grafted trees that need new homes.
Wasn't going to buy trees this year, but Macoun, gala, hewes, and his turkey tree looks tempting. My Redfield I grafted isn't growing a bunch. However, I put a small 8 inch dia cage around it and the birds keep pooping on it. I swapped put the cage labor day weekend.
I'd prefer m111 over b118. I got some heavier clay, and my home apple trees get mowed weekly around them, so soil compaction will be an issue.