Dwarf fruit trees: Mature to about 8–10 feet tall and wide. Produce an abundance of fruit in a minimal amount of space. Semidwarf fruit trees: Mature to about 12–15 feet tall and wide. Produce maximum fruit yield per square foot. Most fruit can be harvested while standing on the ground. Standard fruit trees: Mature to at least 18 feet tall and wide (some fruit types are smaller). Standard-size fruit trees function as both shade trees and fruit producers in the landscape. Soil quality is also important. Plant dwarf fruit trees in soil that drains freely. Avoid clay or boggy soil and exceptionally sandy soil. Dwarf fruit trees will grow in containers. Be sure to plant trees in massive 15- to 20-gallon containers, filling the pot with quality potting soil.
Sunny Landscape Ideas
Plant at least two different apple cultivars. Most apple trees cannot pollinate their own blossoms. Two different cultivars planted near each other will ensure a bountiful crop of fruit. ‘Williams Pride’ has medium to large fruit that is slightly striped with dark red and purple. ‘Redtree’ produces medium-sized fruit with bright red color. ‘Jonafree’ has medium-sized fruit that is firm, crisp, and moderately rich in flavor. ‘Liberty’ has medium-sized fruit that is mostly red-striped over a greenish-yellow background. ‘Enterprise’ produces large fruit that is bright red. Sour cherries are self-fruitful—you only need to plant one of these trees to have a good fruit set. Most sweet cherry cultivars will not pollinate themselves, so two different cultivars must be planted for fruiting. Sour Cherries ‘Northstar’ grows 8–10 feet tall and wide and produces fruit with red skin and flesh. ‘Romeo’ grows just 5–6 feet tall and wide. Sweet Cherries ‘Starkrimson’ is a unique self-pollinating cultivar—you can plant just one and get fruit.
