Fruit Encyclopedia Article

So, You Want to Buy a Fruit Tree

Okay, so you have made the decision to buy a fruit tree, and you have done some research on caring for the tree, and feel confident that you can do it properly. The next thing you have to decide is what kind of fruit tree you want to buy. Since there are so many varieties, you may find that this is not an easy decision to make. There are fruit trees in many different sizes that grow many different types of fruit. In general, fruit trees are classified in three main sizes, from largest to smallest: standard, semi-dwarf, and dwarf. It is important to put some thought into the process of choosing your fruit tree, as the kind of tree you choose will directly impact the amount and quality of the fruit you reap, as well as the work you will be required to put into caring for the tree.

If you think about getting a standard sized fruit tree, you can expect it to require quite a bit of space, and it may require a lot more effort on your part. These trees must be pruned at least once a year, or they will grow to be massive in size. The good thing about standard sized fruit trees is that they can provide you with massive amounts of fruit, and provide some much needed shade for your yard and home as well. These trees do take a little bit longer than the smaller ones to reach maturity, and may take as long as five years to start bearing fruit.

If you prefer a decent sized tree, without all the work that comes with caring for a standard fruit tree, then you might want to think about getting a semi-dwarf tree. These trees usually top out at about sixteen feet, whereas standard trees can easily reach thirty feet or more. It is still a good idea to prune these trees yearly, especially if you don’t want it getting too large for your space. These trees produce quite a bit of fruit, but in some years, may not produce any at all, as they tend to produce fruit for several years, and then skip a year. These trees almost always will provide you with more fruit than the smaller dwarf tree, but are much easier to care for than the standard sized tree.

If space is at a premium in your yard, then you will likely end up getting a dwarf fruit tree. These trees still produce quite a bit of fruit, and are much easier to take care of because of their small size. The only disadvantage is that these trees don’t have the lifespan that the other two varieties of fruit trees have. It usually takes about five years for these trees to give fruit as well, so you should ask about the age of the tree at the time of purchase.

You also want to try to find the fruit tree variety that is best able to thrive in your area, as they are affected by the quality of the soil and climate of your area. Some types require a lot of water, while others do better in drier areas. You also want to look at the tree itself, to make certain it appears strong and healthy, paying special attention to the roots and trunk.

Choosing the right fruit tree can take time, but it is well worth the wait!