Rootstocks

Variety(cultivar)

rootstock

suitability of cultivar and rootstock for espalier forms

multi variety trees

pre trained trees

Whip and older, larger trees

Pollination requirements

Multi variety trees

Rating of trees that I think to be easiest and those that are more difficultds. Some trees will require close monitoring and use of some specific techniques.

Site - sunlight, drainage

Climate - tree right for your zone

Disease resistance - cultivar and rootstock

Pollination requirements

Latent Viruses: Most old apple trees contain latent viruses. These viruses do not affect the growth or productivity of the trees, however, if these old drees are a source of scionwood, the latent viruses my be a problem for rootstocks or other cultivars. An example is the apple rootstock G16. This rootstock is very sensitive to latent viruses and in apple and should only be propagated with virus-free scion wood on top.