Fruit Trees for Small Places
Almost monthly we find that we are being presented with a new diet or exercise plan designed to make us change the way in which we lead our lives. It is true that we all need to examine our current behaviour with a view to eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and taking more regular exercise. One thing we may wish to consider is growing a few fruit trees in our backyard. However, as most backyards are only small spaces, it is likely that you may be somewhat restricted.
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.
Sadly, for many of us, our backyards are only a small space to the rear of our homes. If we live in an urban area it is often the case that houses are very close together which means that it is not really practical to grow large plants. In such backyards a large mature tree can cause a number of problems. The most obvious is that a huge tree will look rather out of place in a small space but such a tree could also encroach over into your neighbors backyard. They can block light and, with deciduous tree, it can also create an almighty mess when it drops its leaves. However the most serious problem is caused by the roots and branches which can damage foundations.
It is absolutely amazing how wonderful a small backyard can look. Even the smallest space can look spectacular. To obtain such perfection requires dedication or the services of a professional garden designer. It is very possible to design the perfect garden for a small space by spending a great deal of time studying the problem and its solutions. By careful design and specific choices about which plants to use, you can create the impossible.
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.
In recent decades there have been a number of advances in the creation of dwarf fruit tree varieties. A dwarf tree is created by grafting the main stem of the tree into a dwarf root stock which severely limits the growth. At one time the use of a dwarf root stock called M27 was popular but now M9 is used instead. M9 has two distinct advantages. Firstly M9 is far more reliable than M27 but it manages to create a tree which is smaller 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.
Amongst the most useful of fruit trees for the gardener with only a small space for a backyard, is the spur apple tree. While the tree can still grow up to 1.8m high it has such an upright habit that it often looks rather strange covered in a multitude of ripened apples.
A good garden design should include variety and those with a small backyard will be pleased to hear that there are a number of different fruits which can be grown on a dwarf variety. Such fruit trees are plums, pears, cherries, figs, Kiwi fruit, peaches, nectarines and more. Not only does such variety look great but it also means that you have a wider choice of organic fruit for the table.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
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Landscaping Info 4U is an excellent source of gardening information including info about fruit trees for small places and general tree care
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