Growing fruit trees on rocky mossy bluffs - Is it possible?

Hi Permies,

A large part of the property here is rocky bluffs, which is the last kind of terrain one would consider growing a precious apple tree.

We grow our fruit trees at the bottom of those bluffs where there is actually some soil to work with!

However, there's plenty of native trees (douglas fir, arbutus...) growing on this difficult ground, so why not fruit trees? Am I missing some key idea?


I'm imagining trying my luck with apple trees that I would grow from seed and see what happens... Some guidance would be appreciated! Thanks

I live on a rocky island in Maine, and while apples do thrive in ideal conditions, they will grow just about anywhere if you can build them a decent pocket of soil. I'm working on building an orchard on a small natural terrace between ridges of ledge on a rocky hill top, so I think I'm in the same boat!
On the plus side, drainage and air flow are no problem, and neither are frost pockets.

Great!

Have you planted any in those conditions yet?