Question:
Is it possible to grow various fruit trees in a small backyard? I'm considering peaches, nectarines, apples, and cherries.Answer:
- Today's smaller lot sizes' make it challenging to plant various deciduous fruit trees.
- One way to do this is by planting three compatible trees in a single hole. Plant the trees in a triangle two feet apart and slightly bent at an outward angle.
- This keeps the center of the trees open for good air circulation.
- Annual pruning will keep one variety from dominating the group. Select varieties that ripen at different times for fresh fruit throughout the summer.
- Here are some fruit tree combinations that work. Combination cherries, Bing, Black Tartartian, and Royal Ann, are very popular, and cross-pollination is assured. Pick any three varieties of Peach, Nectarine, Plum, and Apricot, or mix any combination of these trees. Apple, Pear, and Asian Pear are other combinations to consider, but an Apple, Cherry, Peach/Nectarine combination would not work.
- If you have any doubts, please ask your local nursery professional for a second opinion.
- Semi-dwarf fruit trees are not as small growing as the name indicates. They grow twelve to fifteen feet high with an eight to ten-foot wide.
- Instead, plant Ultra Dwarf Fruit Tree. They grow eight to ten feet high and are perfect for small-yard orchards. You’ll find a complete list of edible fruits online at your favorite garden center.
- One final thought: all deciduous fruit trees are not watered equally. Once established, the stone fruits, those with a pit, cherry, apricot, peaches, nectarines, and plum, suffer from root rot from over-watering.
- Planting under their canopy is not recommended. Once established, they’re watered every three weeks with a large basin around them.
- The pome fruits, Pears, Apples, and Asian Pears, tolerate much more frequent watering so that you can plant under them. Fruit trees are not inexpensive, so be diligent to get the right trees in the right spot.
- Another option is compatible varieties grafted onto a single trunk. These are available at independent garden centers.
Question:
My brother has two big persimmon trees that give tons of fruit. He plans to get rid of one of them. The trees are about eleven years old. They are about eight to ten feet high and six to seven feet wide. Should I hire an expert to move the tree, or can my brother dig it up and replant it in my backyard? Also, do you need to have two persimmon trees to cross-pollinate with each other for fruit production?Answer:
- It is a shame that these trees have to be removed.
- Persimmons are slow-growing, so to get mature specimens takes time. Unlike cherries and other fruit trees, persimmons do not require pollination by a second tree.
- They can be successfully transplanted. The best time to move these trees is now through the middle of March. Y
- ou must take a large root ball, probably two feet by two feet. The size and weight of the ball make it problematic for most gardeners. I would google “ Mature Tree Relocation.” For companies that provide this service. Here is one. https://www.cbctreeservice.com/free-estimate/?2=Tree-Service&msclkid=4fffbe63186b1beaec41d91b9fc0169c