What are the advantages and disadvantages of dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees?
Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are produced by grafting or budding the desired variety onto a dwarfing rootstock. Most standard-size fruit trees eventually get 25 to 30 feet tall. Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are much smaller. Fruit trees grown on dwarfing rootstocks typically grow 10 to 15 feet tall.
Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are easier to maintain (prune, spray, harvest, etc.), fit better into small home landscapes, and produce fruit sooner after planting than standard-size trees. However, some dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees have poor root anchorage, so they may need to be supported with a stake or trellis.
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