When I moved to this house I nearly pulled out a dead stick, below ground. Left it and it is now a Japonica, early red flowers and yellow/green fruit. Bush rather than tree. Scented fruit. Gives scent to stewed apple slices when quince slices are added. Pruned severely last year but like the most of us has survived for now. Soil? yes it's in the soil. Went to an apple wassail once but it was a bit weird. I think it's supposed to be.