Using Fruit Trees In A Small Garden
I think that we are all starting to begin to realize that the vast majority of us should make at least some change in the way we lead our lives. Nearly all of us could take more exercise on a regular basis and many of us could vastly improve our diets by introducing more fresh fruit and vegetables. A great way in which to get more fresh fruit is to grow your very own fruit trees in your backyard. Unfortunately, for most of us, we have a backyard which is a rather small space and therefore we are severely limited in which plants we can grow.
As we gain a better understanding of what is good or bad for us many of us are choosing to purchase organically grown fruit and vegetables. Unfortunately this means that we often have to pay a premium price for the produce and the difference in cost can be very large. By growing our own fruit trees organically be can make considerable cost savings but we also benefit from the most fresh fruit possible. Fresh organic fruit not only tastes better but it also has more vitamins and minerals than non-organic stored fruit.
Today’s modern home in an urban setting often only has a very small space for a backyard garden. Such homes are usually very close together which can cause some problems, especially if you plan to plant fruit trees. Unfortunately most tree species can grow to an enormous size. A large tree in a small space can be the source of some very serious problems. Often the roots of a tree extend much further than people would think and, on a large tree this can lead to serious damage to foundations. There are also many other problems such as the shrub blocking the light but the most obvious and visible problem is the simple fact that a large tree in a small space just looks ridiculous and leaves little space for a garden.
It is surprising what can be created in such a small space as an urban backyard. Professional garden designers can create truly spectacular gardens in the smallest possible space. However, if you can not afford professional services it is perfectly possible to design a garden yourself. To create a suitable design you will need to spend a little time investigating which plants will be most suitable for use in small spaces.
Even in the smallest space it is possible to design a garden that has a few fruit trees. A fruit tree can add great beauty in any garden and can act as a focal point. Throughout the year a fruit tree will change and at each season the tree will looks incredible. In spring a fruit tree will produce masses of blossom which, when fertilized, will develop into small fruits. During the summer the fruit will grow until ripe and by fall they will be ready for harvest.
It is now possible to purchase dwarf fruit tree varieties, these are created by grafting the main stem of a fruit tree to special dwarf root stock. Modern dwarf root stock, such as M9, is more reliable than older types of dwarf root stock. M9 root stock can lead to a fruit tree which remains very small but produces more fruit.
Incredibly it is now possible to purchase dwarf or compact fruit trees that will rarely, if ever, exceed a height of about 1.8m while still being able to produce the amount of fruit usually produced by a much larger tree. If 1.8m is too tall for your backyard you can plant the tree in a container which will slow and restrict growth. It is also possible to keep the size down by carefully pruning the fruit tree each year.
For those extremely limited by a very small space there is a type of dwarf apple tree which is amongst the most compact types of fruit trees. The spur apple tree looks rather like a tree with one main stem or trunk covered in leaves and fruit but it can still manage to reach heights of around 1.8m.
As well as apple trees there are dwarf varieties of fruit tree such as plums, cherries, pears, nectarines, figs, plums and more.
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