I remember watching that as well, but I had forgotten about it and probably would have planted my new apple tree in a round hole as normal. So thanks Kazzie I will think on, when I get round to planting it.
Alison

You actually have the space for an apple tree after the pond expansion?

I think "proven" might be a little strong, but square holes are certainly part of the current best advice. Equally important is to dig a hole at least twice as wide as the rootball. That will allow the roots to grow directly away from the stem through loose soil. Then, when they reach the compacted soil at the edge of the hole, they will grow into it rather than turn ninety degrees. If the soil is so compacted that the roots will turn corners to avoid it then a square hole isn't going to help. Another thing that is recommended if you have heavy soil is sticking the fork into the edges of the hole a few times to roughen things up. And tease out roots that are already strongly circling a rootball or pot or they may never bother growing into the native soil. Remember that a loop of root that looks innocuous now will be constricting when the truck grows that large.

Oh well...

I actually took out an apple tree when I enlarged the pond, but it had never really grown and had such tiny apples that it was no detriment. I have another apple tree in the back garden opposite the bottom of the pond below the swing. The first year gave brilliant big apples but then the birds decided to use it as their perches knocking off all the tiny apples before they had a chance to grow. When I went to my sister-in-laws last week she said did I want an apple tree. I went to look at it and she had actually grown it from a pip, but it is quite high with not much width so it will fit easily into the side garden which is where I think I will put it, as it will get more sun and not many birds perching. I might get the added bonus of a few scrumptious apples. Wether I will remember to plant it in a square hole will remain to be seen.
Alison

Doubt you'll be having much trouble with the birds now that the scare-crows have been introduced!

Or is it since I named them after you and Sue? Actually I haven't really noticed any difference. The sparrows still come, the collard doves and dunnocks etc. even two very fat wood pigeons come every day now. The starlings still fly into the tree and shoot down into next door as normal.
The other day I bought another but not exactly a scarecrow. It is on a pole but has the head of a lovely flower (like the original little weed on bill and ben flowerpot men) It has a lovely smiling face bright yellow with orange petals all the way round. It has on a bright green waistcoat and straw arms. I have planted it through a big shrub/tree in my side garden and it just peeps through the branches. What a pretty sight to see. a happy smiling face peeping out of the greenery. I'm such a happy bunny..
I havent got the apple tree yet, but bought a beauty rhodedenron today. It's called Elizabeth and has bright red flowers in april. It is just in bud now so it will be spendid in the next few weeks.
Alison