Fruit and nut trees perform three key functions. As no single fruit tree performs all three functions it is important to understand these functions and when it is best to apply them in your garden.
The Three functions
- For food production.
- To provide shade.
- As protection for more sensitive trees and plants.
FUNCTION 1 : Food Production
The main function of any fruit tree is to produce fruit to eat. In order to maximise the amount of produce you harvest from any given tree it is important to make it as easy as possible to harvest that produce and manage the tree efficiently. The best way to do this is by having small compact fruit trees.
requirements of a small compact fruit tree
The tree should be no higher than the height that you can comfortably reach to the topmost branch without having to stand on a ladder and can be completely covered with bird netting with ease.
Ways to meet these requirements
- BUY FRUIT TREES THAT HAVE BEEN GRAFTED ONTO DWARF ROOTSTOCK
Though even dwarf trees need some pruning. - REGULARLY PRUNE THE TREES TO KEEP THEIR SIZE SMALL
Even trees not on dwarf root stock can be kept small if pruned regularly. - ESPALIER THE TREES
This involves a combination of heavy pruning and training of the branches not pruned to a shape that you want, usually elongated. - PLANT TREES IN LARGE POTS
Fruit trees in pots are easier to contain to a small size. Though watering and fertilising them is more demanding.
The tree should be no higher than the height that you can comfortably reach to the topmost branch without having to stand on a ladder.
The tree should be mall enough that it can be completely covered with bird netting with ease.
advantages & disadvantages of small compact fruit trees
ADVANTAGES SUMMARY
ADVANTAGES
- Easier to reach the top of the trees without the use of a ladder.
- Easier to put nets on them.
- Take up less space per tree.
- Use less water than full sized trees.
DISADVANTAGES SUMMARY
DISADVANTAGES
- Provide little shade.
- Require more maintenance to keep their shape and size.
FUNCTION 2: Provide shade
The main drawback of growing small fruit trees to maximise fruit production is that they provide little shade. Larger fruit trees offer shade for humans and animals such as chickens as well as providing a good understory for shade loving plants. It is also a way of lowing the overall temperature of your garden’s microclimate. See Garden Microclimates for details.
The main drawback with having large fruit trees is that it is harder to net and harvest the fruit. Other disadvantages are that they take up more space and need more water per tree. The best type of fruit trees grown for fruit and for shade are varieties that produce fruit that do not need to be netted or are less likely to be targeted by birds.
Hen under the shade of a Morello cherry tree in my chicken run. Due to blackbirds I am rarely able to harvest more than 30% of the crop but the tree provides plenty of shade for the chickens on hot days.
advantages & disadvantages of full sized fruit trees
ADVANTAGES SUMMARY
ADVANTAGES
- Provide shade for humans and animals such as chickens.
- Provide a good understory for shade loving plants.
- A way of lowing the overall temperature of your garden's microclimate.
DISADVANTAGES SUMMARY
DISADVANTAGES
- Harder to net and harvest the fruit.
- Take up more room.
- Use more water.
FUNCTION 3: As protection for more sensitive trees and plants
Trees that are frost sensitive or do not do well in windy conditions often do better when planted alongside hardier fruit trees. they can also be used as wind breaks for the vegetable garden when planted along the edge of the beds. Some examples of hardier trees are Feijoa, olive and tree lucerne (Tagasaste). Tree lucerne produces and excellent fodder crop for animals.
The main disadvantage of planting hardier food bearing trees is that the list is not that long. Though there are plenty of hardy ornamental trees that can be used for this purpose.
FOREGROUND: Tangelo. CENTRE: Feijoa. REAR: Wheeny grapefruit. The Feijoa acts as a wind break and helps protect the trees either side from frost. All citrus trees are susceptible to frost and wind damage, especially when young.
advantages & disadvantages of hardy fruit trees
DISADVANTAGES SUMMARY
DISADVANTAGES
- The list of suitable hardy fruit trees is not long.
ADVANTAGES SUMMARY
ADVANTAGES
- Protect sensitive fruit trees from wind and frost damage.
- Can provide a windbreak for vegetable gardens.
