dwarf trees the answer to small scale garden problems
Dwarf Trees - The Answer to Small-scale Garden Problems
If you have a very small yard or garden space, growing dwarf fruit or ornamental trees would give you the best balance of beauty and greenery, without crowding the area too much. Let's have a look at the ways one can use them to make a garden impressive and elegant.
- Dwarf Interstem: These trees are made by using two grafting procedures, the second one usually done a year after the first. This process is usually done for dwarf apple and pear trees. These trees require a lot of care, although they are slightly more resilient than the dwarf tree variety. The tree usually does not need staking, and is quite expensive owing to the long growing process required to prepare it.
- Dwarf Tree: This variety may or may not require a grafting procedure. However, they are quite weak, and therefore need staking, regular fruit harvesting, pruning, and a lot of attention from the gardener. Even a little neglect or weed infestation can kill the tree. These trees come in a wide variety, cherry, citrus, quince, etc.
- Genetic Dwarf: These trees are created by grafting the rootstock of a regular tree to the scion wood of a dwarf variety. They require the least amount of care; the roots need to be pruned only once in four years for the tree to thrive. They don't require staking either. They are available as miniatures, and can easily be grown in big pots. Apples, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and many other fruits can be harvested from trees such as these.
- Dwarf trees take up very little space, making them ideal for small gardens.
- Because of their small size, dwarf fruit trees are easy to harvest from, and do not require any special equipment.
- The processes to care for these trees are not time-consuming, and most varieties can thrive without complicated procedures.
- Some dwarf varieties live much shorter lives than their regular counterparts.
- Buying these trees can be cost-prohibitive, due to their difficult grafting and growing process.
- Some varieties require special attention, and need a lot of time to maintain.
- Make sure that the trees receive plenty of sunlight and adequate water.
- Take measures to prevent pests from attacking your tree. Fencing for rabbits and moles, and pesticides for insects are needed.
- Avoid planting the trees in areas that regularly accumulate frost, for a good fruit harvest.
- Some nurseries offer to create custom trees, with combinations of rootstock, interstem, and scion, to perfectly suit the conditions at your home. Take advantage of any such offers.
- Always choose a tree that has a higher hardiness level than the actual condition at your home. This will give your tree a better chance of survival in the garden