Q. I have an easement in the backyard where I cannot
plant trees. I have decided to plant as much as possible in the space I have
left which is about an area 10×10. I would like to plant fruit trees in a high
density there and keep the trees small for easier picking.
plant trees. I have decided to plant as much as possible in the space I have
left which is about an area 10×10. I would like to plant fruit trees in a high
density there and keep the trees small for easier picking.
 |
| Multiple trees in a single hole about 18 inches apart. This provides a sequential harvest of fruit from different varieties at different times of the year. |
A. I would really caution you on a high density mini
orchard unless you are truly committed to it. It will take more time and effort
and require gaining some extra knowledge if you commit to any intensive
gardening technique. If you are willing to spend a bit more time and effort
(not a lot but the extra time is critical) then give it a shot.
A 10×10
area is quite limiting but you could still probably get about 8 trees in there
with a combination of multiple trees in a single hole and trellising them. You
might consider planting fruit trees in a hedge with no space between the trees
and letting them grow together.
area is quite limiting but you could still probably get about 8 trees in there
with a combination of multiple trees in a single hole and trellising them. You
might consider planting fruit trees in a hedge with no space between the trees
and letting them grow together.
 |
| Apples trellised along a fence on trellis wires about one foot from the fence and shade cloth protecting it from direct sunlight from the south side of the fence. |
I
personally wouldn’t plant any trees closer than about six to eight feet apart
for a hedge or trellis. If you use apples or pears try to make sure they are on
dwarfing rootstocks such as M111 for apples and OHxF333 for European pears.
personally wouldn’t plant any trees closer than about six to eight feet apart
for a hedge or trellis. If you use apples or pears try to make sure they are on
dwarfing rootstocks such as M111 for apples and OHxF333 for European pears.
There really
is no true dwarfing rootstocks for the stone fruits like peach, apricot or
nectarine but the Citation rootstock may give you a little. These stone fruits are
normally planted full size and kept small through aggressive winter and summer
pruning.
is no true dwarfing rootstocks for the stone fruits like peach, apricot or
nectarine but the Citation rootstock may give you a little. These stone fruits are
normally planted full size and kept small through aggressive winter and summer
pruning.
Another
possibility instead of a hedgerow is trellising and I prefer it over hedging for
small spacing. Trellising costs more because you have to construct the trellis
but gives you more control of the plant and helps you keep it smaller.
possibility instead of a hedgerow is trellising and I prefer it over hedging for
small spacing. Trellising costs more because you have to construct the trellis
but gives you more control of the plant and helps you keep it smaller.