This page explains Gene's method of growing a mini-dwarf apple tree whose mature height will be 3 feet. These are all grown on M27 or P22 rootstock. Now it's important to realize how great an effect the M27 or P22 rootstock has in reducing a mini-dwarf's growing vigor. This effect is so limiting that during the time it is bearing fruit, it will not have the additional energy to form new primary branches. So it is essential to create the tree's primary framework of branches, called scaffolding, before you let it bear fruit.
Gene likes to begin by planting a newly grafted apple tree.
They're just tiny sticks about as thick as an index finger and maybe 6 to 10 inches high. He doesn't want an older tree because he wants to control everything. While the tree is still dormant, Gene digs a generous hole . He then throws away the soil he took out, since it's mostly clay. He plants the tree deep so that the grafting union is 3 to 4 inches above the soil line.