[MisseyB]

I've read that your better locating fruit trees on a south or west-facing wall but i've only got an east facing wall available. Do you think it will work to plant, apple and plum trees here?

I'm based in a housing estate in South Dublin and have a large back garden so wall gets quite a lot of light until about 3pm during the growing season.

Thanks

[Sive]

I used to get some great crops of Victoria plums from a tree in a worse position than you are describing......I think it may be pear trees that really need that warm south/west facing wall. Are you planning espalier trees or free-standing ones ?

[MisseyB]

Thanks a mill for reply and delighted to hear you had success with trees in a 'worst' position. I'd like to go with espalier trees, partly for aesthetic but partly for the higher yield in a smaller space.

[tippben]

Mediterranean fruits, such as peach, apricot, and indeed pears too prefer a bit of heat, so south facing is best. Apples, cherries and plums should be fine in the situation you are describing, as long as you can prepare a decent fertile soil there. If they are being planted straight into hardcore, they won't do as well. If that's the case, try a fig (brown Turkey), but constrict the roots by constructing a bow of large paving slabs in the ground first.