How to Plant Dwarf Fruit Trees

Dwarf fruit trees are usually full sized varieties grafted onto dwarfing rootstock. These smaller fruit trees allow gardeners to grow several trees in the same space one full sized fruit tree would have occupied. Dwarf fruit trees produce regular sized fruit and have the same care requirements, and the same pests and diseases as full sized fruit trees. Dwarf trees produce fruit earlier, between 3 and 5 years old, and will continue to produce until they are 15 to 20 years old. Another advantage to dwarf trees is that most can be grown in large containers or espaliered along a wall or fence. You can find varieties of dwarf fruit trees hardy in most growing zones although extreme northern and southern hardy varieties will be limited.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovel Compost Dwarf fruit tree any variety hardy in your zone Pruning shears Tree cage or tree bark protector 2 stakes suitable for your tree size Elastic tree ties Rope Mulch

1. Dwarf fruit trees should be planted in early spring while still dormant. Choose a spot with full sun, preferable on a south facing slope or the south side of a building. The soil should be deep, at least 6 feet deep before hitting rock, with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0.

2. Dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the root ball of your tree. Mix the soil you have removed from the hole with compost until the soil is light and fluffy. The soil/compost mix has the right composition when you can easily insert your hand into the pile. Refill the hole with enough soil/compost until it is just large enough to hold the root ball. Space trees 12 to 15 feet apart.

3. Remove any broken or dead branches. Prune out crossing branches and branches growing into the crown.

4. Place the dwarf fruit tree in the hole, have someone hold the tree straight, making sure the graft between the rootstock and the tree is 2 to 3 inches above the soil surface. Fill the hole with the soil/compost mix tamping the soil around the root ball to eliminate air pockets.

5. Apply 1 to 2 inches of compost at the drip line of the tree.

6. To protect your young dwarf fruit tree from deer, squirrels and other pests, enclose your dwarf tree in a tree cage, or, if you don't have a problem with deer, wrap the trunk with a tree bark protector.

7. Place stakes on either side of your tree. Push them 3 to 4 feet into the soil at the edges of your planting hole. Attach the elastic tree ties halfway up the trunk. Loop the rope through the elastic tree ties and loosely tie them to the stakes. Your tree should still be able to sway in the breeze, but should not bend in strong winds.

8. Water your tree well, continue watering until water just starts to pool around the base of the tree.

9. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of your tree. Be sure to pull the mulch 2 to 3 inches away from the trunk of your dwarf fruit tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to readjust ties for the stakes and protective cages and bark wraps every fall to accommodate tree growth. If you are planting dwarf fruit trees in your garden, plant them on the northeastern edges to allow other vegetables to receive afternoon sun.
• Some dwarf fruit trees, like apples and peaches, need a pollinator for optimum fruit production. Pick up fallen fruit and rake fallen leaves to reduce insect pests and disease.

References

• Earth easy fruit tree growing/planting tips
• How to grow fruit trees

Resources

• Fruit trees