How to choose your fruit trees

1. Always start with a minimal research on what fruit trees can grow under the climatic conditions in your region. I live in a region that is very good for growing fruit trees, but not all fruit trees. I can plant cherries, plums , apples, pears but apricots and peaches not so much as the temperatures both in summer and winter are not ideal for them. Some species are more resistant to drought, some need more water, some cannot handle low temperatures in winter, some need high temperatures during summer etc.

2. Choose the size of the tree ( the rootstock). Make a plan on where you want to plant the fruit trees so you know how much space you have for them. You can choose semi-dwarf or dwarf trees ( from 1,5 to 2,5 meters )  or semi-vigorous or vigorous trees ( 4-6 meters).

Keep in mind that if you choose to grow a fruit tree from seeds the tree will grow up to 8 -10 meters ( maybe higher ) so you will need more space.

3. Check the trunk of the tree for damage. Damage on the trunk can be a sign of an disease or a pest so check closely before buying. You will want the trunk of the tree to be straight, not to thin but not to thick either.

4. As far as the number of branches goes , dwarf trees should come with at least 8-10 branches and will need a support system. If you choose a semi-vigorous tree then you will see that it can come with some branches or none but that’s not a problem as you will form the tree’s canopy yourself so after planting you will cut it at about 80 cm.

5. Do they need cross-pollination? There are many cases in which you need cross pollination in order for the trees to bear fruit. That means that you will need two fruit trees from the same species , let’s say cherries, but different cultivars. So if you will plant one Regina cherry tree you will also need a Kordia cherry tree in order for them to cross – pollinate and bear fruit. The same goes for apples.

Sour cherries don’t usually need cross-pollination to bear fruit so you can plant only one tree. Some plum cultivars need cross pollination while other plum cultivars don’t need it.