Buying a Fruit Tree

Although the growing and caring for a tree is generally challenging and even difficult at times, sometimes the hardest part is choosing which kind.

You have to choose between sizes like dwarf fruit trees, semi-dwarf and standard as well as different types. Your choice is also affected by your experience, the amount of work to put in and the rewards (fruit) you will obtain.

Dwarf trees are ideal if you only have a limited amount of open land in your yard because they take up little space. Although dwarf fruit trees are smaller their fruit is the same size and the shortness makes them easier to prune and harvest.

However they aren’t known for living quite as long as larger fruit trees. They begin to bear fruit after three to five years, so when you buy one from a nursery you should always check how old it is.

Semi-dwarf trees are medium sized and when they are full grown they take up a 5 meter diameter. Their  height range from 3-5 meter. To keep them from getting to large you should prune them at least once a year.

Occasionally they take a season off and produce little or no fruit, but mostly they produce hundreds of fruit every year. Many people enjoy having them because they produce more fruit than a dwarf tree and they are generally easier to harvest and maintain than a standard fruit tree.

Standard sized fruit trees take up much more area the then any of the smaller tree varieties. They are also harder to keep manageable and to harvest all of the fruit. If you do not prune them at least once a year they can grow as large as 9 meter.

If you are just looking for a good tree to provide you with plenty of delicious fruit and to keep your yard shady, a standard sized tree would be the answer. They however take a very long time to reach their full height but usually begin to bear fruit after only three to five years.

The best variety of fruit tree to buy would be one that does well in your area because a local tree takes less work and grows the best.

Although trees bearing other more exotic fruit may seem more exciting, they usually won’t grow as well in your area. That’s not to say it’s impossible. You can definitely try to grow one but it will take much more commitment and time.

Another factor in deciding on a type of tree is what kind of soil you have. Some trees do better in damp soil while others are better suited for drier soil. If it rains often in your area you could consider a plum tree.

If not you would do better to plant a pear or an apple tree. Before choosing which type consult your local nursery or gardening guru to find out which trees would do well in your area.

Other things that you should keep in mind while looking for a fruit tree to buy are how sturdy it is, if the branches are evened out, how straight it is, the condition of the roots and the stem.

Making a careful decision can mean the difference between having the stunted fruit from your lopsided tree being eaten by animals all day long.

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