Dwarf trees reap big rewards

Just because you have a small yard doesn’t mean you can’t have the fun of picking a tree-ripened apple, pear or plum off your very own tree in your very own yard. You just need a dwarf fruit tree that can fit into any sunny spot in the yard.

Dwarf trees grow small because they have been grafted on to special rootstocks that force the tree to grow smaller than it would normally grow. They are about one fourth the size of standard fruit trees and grow to about 10 feet tall and wide. Mini dwarf trees can grow to only 6 feet tall and wide. There are even columnar forms that have a very upright habit, perfect for tight, narrow places. A bonus is that many dwarf trees ripen earlier than their larger counterparts – a plus if you are inpatient for that first apple, or peach.

Apples, pears, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines and apricots are all available in dwarf forms. Apples are the easiest to grow because they are tolerant of different conditions and well adapted to our climate. Pears, plums and cherries also do well here. Peaches, nectarines and apricots can be tricky here because they are less cold tolerant and tend to bloom early and lose their fruit to late frosts.

Any fruit tree needs full sun. More than a couple of hours of shade will reduce fruit size and quantity.

Dwarf trees can be planted about 10 feet apart in any well-drained average soil and will require regular watering. Most dwarf trees can even be planted in large pots (2 feet in diameter is best) for a patio or very sturdy deck.

Potted apple and pear trees can handle the winter without extra protection, but peaches, nectarines and apricots benefit from being moved to a sheltered corner out of the wind and sun. Many varieties will begin producing in as little as two to three years.

Because the trees are small, they are easy to care for. Pruning, fruit thinning and harvesting can be done while standing on the ground. The trees are still susceptible to bugs and diseases, but any problems are easier to reach, especially if you prefer using organic control methods. To get large fruit, most dwarf trees need to have excess fruit thinned in the early summer. How much needs to be removed depends on the type of fruit.