In general, fruit trees come in or are classified in three main sizes. From largest to smallest, these sizes are:  Standard, semi-dwarf, and dwarf. Because of several factors, the size of the tree you choose will directly impact the amount and quality of the fruit you reap, as well as the work you will be required to put into caring for the tree.

A standard sized fruit tree, requires quite a bit of space, and it may demand a lot more effort on your part. Such trees must be pruned at least once a year, or they will grow to be massive in size. The good thing about standard sized fruit trees is that they can provide you with large harvest of fruit, and provide a nice shady area for your yard and home as well. These trees do take longer than the smaller varieties to reach maturity, and it can be up to five years before they start bearing fruit.

A way to cut down on the maintenace of a fruit tree and still have a decent sized tree, is to plant a semi-dwarf tree. Semi-dwarfs usually top out at about sixteen feet, whereas standard trees can easily reach thirty feet or more. It is still maybe necessary to prune these trees yearly, depending upon how large a space your have avilable for an older tree. Semi-dwarfs do produce quite a bit of fruit, but in some years, may not produce any at all. A typical production pattern will see fruit on the branches for several years, and then a year will be skipped. These trees generally provide you with more fruit than the smaller dwarf tree, and they are much easier to care for than the standard sized tree.

If space is at a premium in your yard, then getting a dwarf fruit tree maybe your best option. These trees can still produce quite a bit of fruit but do not expect The kind of harvest you get from regular sized trees. On the other hand, tree maintenance is much easier because of their small size. One disadvantage is that these trees don�t have the lifespan that the other two varieties of fruit trees have. Again it usually takes about five years for these trees to bear fruit as well. As your nursury the about the age of the tree at the time of purchase.

Black Cherry Blossoms

If you live in an apartment or a condo, but have a patio or other limited outdoor space, you can still buy a fruit tree. A potted dwarf tree is an ideal way to add nature into your life. Due to the limitations of being in a pot, fruit production is reduced. And daily watering is usually required. Still having one's own fruit tree is still a marvelous thing. The dwarf orange tree I gave to an aunt, who is an apartment dweller, has been producing for 14 years.

Now that you have the size of the tree decided. Other factors to consider include, what kind of fruit do you like and what fruit tree variety is best able to thrive in your area. What is the quality of your soil and the local climate of your area...

Buying the right fruit tree for your yard or garden is kind of like making a friend. It can take time, but it is well worth it!

About the Author:  Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Sherlock Holmes Pastiches, Harvest The Sun | Renewable Energy, Grilled To Perfection - Barbecue, Dieting Help | Move More - Eat Less, and Bonsai Tree Store.

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