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supporter 4 rootstock

Supporter 4 Rootstock

$3.50

Supporter 4 rootstock which grows to about 60% of the size of a standard tree is perfect for replant sites and low-vigor varieties. Moreover it excels in fruit production. Although it has low susceptibility to collar rot, it is susceptible to fireblight.

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General Tree Height/Caliper: Most of our fruit trees (apple, peach, apricot, plum, pear, nectarine, quince, and cherry) are grafted/budded and are 4-6' tall with a caliper/diameter of about 1/4-3/4". Most have more than 5' height and 1/2" diameter. The other trees are seedlings, such as pawpaw, mulberry, persimmon, shade, berry, and flowering trees which range from 18-36" tall.

A rootstock primarily controls a tree's size and how early it bears fruit. Learn more about our specific rootstocks.

SKU: root-Supp-4 Category:

What is a Rootstock?

The Supporter 4 rootstock is an apple tree rootstock. A rootstock controls the tree’s size, precocity, cold hardiness, and partly its disease resistance (such as fireblight). In order to grow a reliable and high quality fruit tree, growers graft the scion, which is above the ground and responsible for the fruit’s characteristics and disease resistance, onto the rootstock, which is underground.

Supporter 4 Rootstock

Supporter 4 rootstock which grows to about 60% of the size of a standard tree is perfect for replant sites and low-vigor varieties. Moreover it excels in fruit production. Although it has low susceptibility to collar rot, it is susceptible to fireblight. The Pillnitz Research Station near Dresden, Germany made this rootstock as a cross between M.9 and M.4 in 1921. In fact its precocity is between M.26 and M.9. However it wasn’t until the fall of the Berlin Wall that the West discovered this rootstock.

Rootstock Considerations

A rootstock that grows well in one location, may not grow well in another. Therefore you must consider your specific site considerations before choosing a rootstock. When choosing a rootstock, some considerations for growers are

  • how well the rootstock adapts to your soil
  • the disease pressure on your site
  • how well the rootstock anchors
  • what size tree is optimal for your site
  • precocity (bearing fruit at a younger age)
  • productivity

From our experience growing in New York, we have found the Budagovsky, Geneva, and EMLA series to be great options since they are virus free and produce very healthy trees.

Size of Tree

  • While a rootstock does affect the size of the tree at maturity, the variety of apple, the soil type, the amount of sun and the way the tree is pruned will also have a significant impact on the ultimate height.
  • For example, an apple tree on an M9 rootstock can grow to the same height as one grown on an MM106 rootstock with the appropriate care. However, the M9 tree will have fewer and thinner branches.
  • Therefore, when you see below the height of the tree at maturity, it is an approximate maximum.

 

Apple Rootstocks

 

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Shipping

  • Our shipping cost is 15-25% of the order total (depending on the size of the trees and how far the state is from NY) plus our handling fee which includes light pruning, packaging, printing, and quality checks.
  • To get an estimate for shipping cost, put your address on the cart page with your desired trees.
  • Note: we ship to Hawaii and Alaska however the shipping price is higher.

Warranty

  • If your tree doesn’t grow by July 1st or dies in the fall of the first year, please email us with a photo, order number, and description of the issue.
  • If the issue is related with the tree itself rather than lack of care, we guarantee to replace it next season or give a full refund.

Refunds and Cancellations

  • You can cancel your order to receive a full refund, but please note that cancelling an order after April 1st will result in a partial refund of 75% of the order total.
  • We much prefer payments by credit card or PayPal. If you pay by check or cash, then payments for pickup and shipping orders should be received within 30 days of your order, otherwise will be automatically cancelled.
  • If due to unforeseen circumstances your ordered tree is no longer available, you can get a full refund or a substitution with another variety.