Dwarf Fruit Trees For Beginners

OK….So lets see what all the fuss is about and have a look at the different shapes we can produce when pruning our trees and why some people consider it an ‘art form’.

Firstly, we have the ’step-over’ tree. So called because you step-over it!! This shape is just a single tier espalier and looks especially good when used as a boundary.

From This…..

To This

Beautiful yes?

Of course we also have the proper espalier….lets look at a drawing first..

And a fully grown specimen……..

And the best space saver of all is the single stemmed tree. It has various names such as minarette, ballerina, cordon…lets have a look at the drawing first…

And once more, a real live example..

Now, there are many variations of all these basic types but I think you get the idea…the shapes you can get are almost infinate. I intend to discuss shaping your tree at a later date but at least for now you have can see the possibilities. All you need to consentrate on is the pruning.

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?

No, No. And no again.

Dwarf trees are ideal 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 others, their fruit is just the same size and the lack of height makes them 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’?
Have you ever seen ’stepover’ trees surrounding the lawn like a living fence?
Do you want a tree that’s easy to care for with the least hassle?

Well these small trees are the answer: Apples, Pears, Figs, Cherries, Plums, Peaches, Nectarines…the list goes on! The fruits are of normal size as well, 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…

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.

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