Let's face it, when most people think about planting a fruit tree the first thing they think of is an apple. Which isn't surprising. We all know British apples are the best in the world and we have a rich history and tradition of apple growing...and eating and drinking. From scrumpy cider to Bramley crumbles and rustic apple pies, or even a classic Victoria plum crumble. Not to mention cheeky scamps making off with fruit from a neighbour’s tree. But while you can pick up a bag of apples from any supermarket, nothing compares to the taste of one plucked straight from your own tree. So, why wouldn't you grow your own?

And the best part? There’s an apple tree for every type of garden, from sprawling orchards to small patios. Whether you want a traditional cooker like the Bramley, a sweet eater such as Gala, or something with heritage character like Egremont Russet, the choice is yours.

But in case you need convincing about why you should plant an apple instead of an arty and exotic fig or nut, here are ten reasons why planting an apple tree is one of the smartest (and tastiest) decisions you can make in your garden.

1. So Many Apple Varieties

One of the joys of growing (and eating) apples is the sheer amount of choice. Do you prefer something sweet and crisp, or sharp and tangy? You can choose apple trees to deliver both. And sometimes even from the same tree if you grow a family-grafted variety. At Direct Trees, you’ll find classics like the Bramley (which of course is the nation’s favourite cooking apple), dessert favourites such as Cox’s Orange Pippin, or modern, sweet-eating apples like Gala. With so many options, you can grow whichever apple you like or, why not plant different varieties, and have a mini-orchard in your garden.

2. Space-Saving Options

Don't run away with the idea that you need a huge garden to grow an apple tree or that they are only for large orchards? That may have been the case back in the day but not anymore. With so many dwarf rootstock available you can grow apples in small gardens, courtyards, or even in a large container on a balcony. Dwarfing rootstocks keep trees compact and manageable, while semi-dwarfing types suit slightly larger spaces. You can grow varieties like Egremont Russet or Gala which thrive even in the smallest gardens. So, there's no excuses. There is room for at least one apple tree in your garden no matter how much space you have, or haven't, got. For more ideas, check our Pear Trees, another great choice for compact spaces.

3. Spring Blossom

As good as it is to grow and eat your own crop, apple trees aren’t just about fruit. In the spring they will burst into life bearing masses of pink-and-white blossom. They look spectacular, bringing beauty to the garden (albeit too briefly) when you need it most. This blossom is also an early-season food source for bees and pollinators, meaning your apple tree isn’t just working for you, it's helping wildlife too. Which is kind of nice. 

4. Reliable Crops Year After Year

Once they have become established, apple trees are some of the most reliable fruiting trees you can grow. Your apple tree can produce bumper harvests year after year. You'll have more than enough fruit to fill the bowl on the sideboard along with the freezer and larder. For example, Bramley is famous for its heavy cropping. Plant a couple of trees in your garden and they will provide enough apples for crumbles, pies, and chutneys to last all winter and into the next spring.

5. We All Love Apples

In the UK we have a long and proud history of growing apples. And if you're a bit of a history buff, planting a variety like Cox’s Orange Pippin or Egremont Russet connects your garden to centuries of history. Which probably sounds a bit grandiose but think of it this way. These traditional varieties have stood the test of time because they taste great and are easy to grow in UK conditions. So why wouldn't you want to embrace history and plant an apple tree?

6. Wildlife Benefits

Apple trees aren’t just for us. They are a vital food source for bees and birds. The blossom from the tree feeds pollinators in spring, their fruit provides food for birds in autumn, and in mature trees their branches offer shelter. By planting a tree like Gala or Bramley, you’re doing our wildlife friends a favour.

7. Healthy, Nutritious Fruit Whenever You Want It

You know the old proverb. Well, it's true. An apple a day really does keep the doctor away. The fruit is packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. Growing your own means you can enjoy chemical-free fruit that goes straight from tree to table. And yes, of course you could just pop down to the shops anyway, but let’s be honest; a fresh, crisp apple picked on a cool autumn morning tastes better than anything you’ll find in the supermarket. Trust me if you've never tried it.

8. Low-Maintenance and Easy to Grow

One of the great things about apple trees is that they don’t need constant attention. And, if you choose a dwarf variety, the tree will stay manageable in size, making pruning and harvesting easy. A light annual prune to keep shape and airflow is usually all that’s needed. Other varieties like Egremont Russet are naturally hardy and resilient, making them a great choice if you want a reliable crop with minimum amount of work.

9. Apples for the Kitchen

One of the beauties of apples is their versatility. Cookers like the Bramley turn fluffy and tangy when baked, perfect for crumbles and pies. Dessert apples like Cox and Gala are best eaten fresh, while heritage apples like Egremont Russet bring a nutty, aromatic flavour to cheese boards. And of course, there is a reason scrumpy cider is so popular. Whether you want juice, cider, chutneys, or cakes, there’s an apple variety for every recipe.

10. They Last for Generations

Once established an apple tree can last for decades. Plant an apple tree today and it could still be fruiting 50 years from now. Walk through a typical housing estate and you're bound to see some gnarly old trees which have stood and borne fruit for years and years. Planting an apple tree is a simple way to make your garden more productive for decades to come.

Final Thoughts

There’s plenty of reasons why apples are the most popular fruit tree in the UK. They’re productive, versatile, and even look great when in blossom — and with so many varieties to choose from, there’s one to suit every taste and size of garden. Whether you want the reliable crops of a Bramley, the rich flavour of an Egremont Russet, or the sweetness of a Gala, planting an apple tree is a decision you won’t regret. And if you’re building a home orchard, don’t miss our Plum Trees and Pear Trees for a perfect mix of flavours and harvest times.

Explore our full range of apple trees here

Your garden (and your kitchen) will thank you.