What Are the Sizes of Regular-Size & Dwarf Fruit Trees?

An example of a semi-dwarf fruit tree

Fruit trees come in a bewildering variety of sizes, depending on the rootstock they are grafted onto. Each type of rootstock interacts differently with the variety of the tree it is grafted with, but a few basic principles apply.

Mini-Dwarf

Mini-dwarf trees are commonly grafted onto a rootstock called M27. It enables the tree to be maintained at a mature height of 6 to 8 feet, perfect for small gardens or containers. Apples are often grown on this rootstock, with popular varieties such as Jonagold and Honeycrisp available as mini-dwarf trees.

Semi-Dwarf

Dwarf fruit trees are also referred to as semi-dwarf, which adds to the confusion. A true semi-dwarf tree grows to 10 to 15 feet tall. Rootstocks such as EMLA 26 and M7 will indicate the tree is a semi-dwarf. With a height and spacing of 10 to 15 feet, these trees fit nicely in the average size yard or garden. Apples, pears, cherries and peaches are all available in semi-dwarf sizes. Most grafted fruit trees are sold as semi-dwarf.

Full-Size

A full-size tree is from an ungrafted variety or is grafted onto a rootstock called Dolgo. These trees will grow up to 30 feet, so they are unsuitable for any but the largest yards. Heirloom varieties of apple and cherry occasionally turn up in the marketplace as full-size trees.

References

• "The Backyard Orchardist"; Stella B. Otto; 1995
• "The Home Orchard"; C. Ingels, P. Geissel and M. Norton; 2007
• "Growing Fruit"; Harry Baker and Christopher Brickell; 1999