How to Prune a Dwarf Tree

Dwarf fruit trees enable you to grow more in less space, so they are great for small home orchards. Another reason to grow dwarf trees is that you won't need a ladder to get to the fruit.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check the root stock. If it is semi-dwarfing you will need to care and plant it differently than if it is a true dwarfing root stock.

2. Prune the main stem of a 1 year old tree to about 2 feet in height just above a bud. The buds will grow the following summer.

3. Leave three or four buds to grow into branches and rub out any unwanted buds with your thumb.

4. Cut back by about half each of the new branches the second year to an outward facing bud. This will encourage new branches to grow from each of last year's branches.

5. Choose main branches for your tree the third winter. These branches should be at least a foot and a half apart and should point outward to not have branches cross in the middle of the tree. Prune the rest of your dwarf tree's branches to four buds from the main stem.

Tips & Warnings

• In order to get the best yield and have a healthy tree, you need to prune dwarf trees every year. The idea is to maintain a balance between growth and fruitfulness.
• Plant semi-dwarf trees about 15 feet apart and dwarf trees about 8 feet apart, or follow the nursery planting instructions.