For apple, the dwarfing rootstocks M.26 and Bud 9 work well in New Hampshire, producing trees that generally mature at 10 feet or less. Start with a reputable mail order fruit tree nursery or local garden center. While dwarf apple trees are easy to find in the nursery trade, and dwarf pears are becoming more available, dwarf peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, and apricots are not. Dwarf trees take up less space, bear fruit at an earlier age, and are easier to spray and prune. Others are grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks producing trees that are smaller.ĭwarf and semi-dwarf trees generally make more sense for home gardeners than seedling (standard or full-sized) trees. Some fruit varieties are grafted onto seedlings and generally produce large trees. Some parts of New Hampshire are just too cold for tender tree fruits such as peach (Table 1).įirst, it is important to note that all fruit trees are grafted. Have soil tested and amend the soil before planting based on soil test recommendations.īe realistic in your expectations. Prepare soil thoroughly by plowing, tilling or spading before planting. These weeds will reduce young tree growth and if allowed to grow up around tree trunks, they increase the risk of trunk borer and vole damage. Perennial weed pressure can greatly impact young fruit trees. Plantings nearer the top of a slope will usually suffer less spring frost injury than those at the bottom. Plant fruit trees on a slope that allows cold air to drain to lower levels. In addition, full sunlight promotes quick drying after rain events, reducing the risk of disease pressure. Trees that do not receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day will be “leggy” and will produce few flowers and fruits. In addition, full sunlight nearly all day long is essential. Fruit trees will grow and produce best if planted on deep, well-drained sandy loams with good moisture and nutrient-holding capacity. The first and perhaps most important issue is site selection. Is it possible to grow tree fruits with limited inputs? With proper tree selection and site preparation, the answer can be yes. Pruning and pest management – these two chores can be discouraging tasks for many home tree fruit growers.

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