The following styles of trees are allowed to develop naturally, with only a limited amount of pruning. Although they are all free-standing and so not as space-efficient as wall-trained restricted forms, the bush, quarter-standard and spindlebush are relatively compact and suitable for small gardens.

Bush

Bush trees are goblet shaped trees with a clear trunk and branches radiating out from the top third. Their open centre means that their branches can receive the maximum light and space. This form is suitable for relatively small trees on semi-dwarfing rootstocks (1.5-3.0 m/ 5-10 ft) for small and medium sized gardens.

Quarter Standard

The 1/4 standard is similar to the bush tree but has a clear stem of approximately 90 cm (3 ft) before the rounded head of the tree.

Half Standard

With a similar shape to a bush tree, a 1/2 standard has approximately a clear stem of 1.3-1.5 m (4-5 ft) before the rounded head of the tree. Its overall height is 4-5 m (12-15 ft). Suitable for trees on semi-vigorous rootstocks for large or medium sized gardens.

Standard

Similar in form to the other standards, but with a clear trunk measuring 1.5-2.2 m (5-7 ft) and an overall height of 5 m (15 ft) or more. Suitable for trees on vigorous rootstocks for large gardens and orchards.

Spindlebush

A spindlebush is a relatively small tree (up to 2.2 m/7 ft), with branches radiating out at a wide angle from the central leader. The branches start at 45 cm (18 in) from ground level and are pruned to be as productive as possible.