Dwarf fruit trees….

Why on earth would anyone want to grow small trees when they could just as easily grow something that would be 10 times the size with 10 times the yield? Well, the reason is very obvious. Large fruit trees mean getting a ladder to reach the topmost fruit. It also means getting on the ladder to prune the trees to get the optimum yield. Then there is the excessive ‘drop’ that occurs when trees naturally thin themselves out to keep themselves producing. And what about trees that need a pollinating partner? If I want to grow more than one variety…..are we talking about an orchard here?

Dwarf Fruit Trees, the ideal solution for small spaces.

Dwarf trees are great if you only have a limited amount of open space in your yard. They take up as little as only as eight-foot diameter plot of land. Dwarf fruit trees are trees that have a naturally restricted growth to enable their growers to grow the fruits they want in a very small space either in the ground or in containers. And although they are smaller than the standard sized trees, their fruit is just the same size. Due to their restricted height looking after the tree is a cinch making them also easier to prune and harvest.

Have you ever seen slender columns of pears 8′ high clinging to the stems like water balloons of colour? Have you ever seen an orchard of apples, 6 varieties grown in an area of just 10 feet?

I remember as a child walking around the local allotment being amazed at all the things people were growing. It was the first time I realized that growing fruit and veg was possible in a city, and I recall being shouted at when I stood too close to some twigs before seeing that they were ‘step over’ fruit trees.

Have you ever seen these ‘stepover’ trees surrounding the garden borders like a living fence?

Dwarf Fruit Trees as a living boundry?…Wow, how cool is that?

Watch this video…

This video shows you how to grow a single tier espalier type of tree, that you can ‘step over!!…duh!…but there is nothing to stop you having 2 or 3 tiered espaliers..thereby raising the height of your living ‘fence’. 

Apples? Pears? Peaches? Lemons?…...what to grow??

Hey, take your pick. These small trees are the ideal way to grow an orchard in your backyard. There are plenty of varieties to be found on these pages.

Hardiness Zones….

Fruit trees require sun and water. Most require a dormancy period. Some need to have a period of frost. This is where ‘Hardiness Zones’ come in.

Hardiness Zones are the average frost temperature that a tree can comfortably withstand……I mean, you cant expect to grow oranges outdoors in areas where there is plenty of snow for months at a time, can you? So you need to know what Hardiness Zone you live in….when you know that, then you can look for trees that fit your area.

Fruit Size…

Will the fruits be the same size as regular ones?

Absolutely, the tree is grafted onto a rootstock which will inhibit the tree growth but the fruits will be normal size. 

Apples, Pears, Figs, Cherries, Plums, Peaches, Nectarines…the list goes on! The fruits are of normal size because having a dwarf fruit tree doesn’t mean that the fruits are small. Take a look at two photos showing you what they look like in pots or in the ground…

The GROW YOUR OWN culture

Have you noticed recently how many times we are being told to take a good look at our current lifestyles? The amount of information appearing in the media which is aimed at getting us to lead a more healthy life is absolutely incredible. All kinds of diets and exercise plans are constantly being developed to entice us to eat healthier and take more exercise on a regular basis. As we are continually being told to eat more fresh fruit it would make sense to grow our own fruit trees in our backyard.

When I started out growing these trees I began reading as much on the subject as I could. With the advent of the internet this has become so much easier. Now I can help others to grow these trees and begin a great hobby. And when you pick the fruit..what then? Well you have the choice of creating something to eat or dare I say drink!!

So come on in and have a look around and discover the wonderful world of Dwarf Fruit Trees in your own backgarden or backyard and be the envy of your family, friends and neighbours.