Types of Dwarf Trees

  -  Types of Dwarf Trees                                          

When you purchase dwarf fruit trees from a nursery, they may be called dwarf trees or miniatures. There are actually three types of grafted trees: genetic dwarfs, dwarf interstem trees and dwarf trees. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Use our checklist to help determine which is right for you.

  1-  Genetic Dwarf                                                                    

• Often sold as miniature trees
• Don’t need staking
• Standard (full-size tree) root system grafted to scion wood that contains a dwarfing gene
• Ideal for growing in containers
• Root-prune every 3–4 years
• Commonly available miniature trees: almond, apple, apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach

  2-  Dwarf Interstem                                                                   

• Don’t need staking
• Endure mild neglect
• More costly, because there are two grafts, done one year apart, so the nursery has to grow the tree longer before selling
• Make sure you ask how deeply to bury this tree
• Commonly available interstem trees: apple, pear

  3-  Dwarf Trees                                                                         

• Typically need staking
• Won’t tolerate weed competition or neglect
• Need fruit thinned to avoid overloaded branches
• Tree height varies by tree type
• Commonly available dwarf trees: apple, apricot, cherry, citrus, fig, nectarine, olive, peach, pear, plum, quince

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