Apple rootstocks have traditionally been divided into three groups: standard, semi-dwarf, and dwarf.
A standard size tree refers to trees growing on seedling rootstock. If trees on seedling rootstocks are not pruned to limit tree size, the trees will reach a height of about 30 feet and have a crown diameter of about 30 feet. Orchards planted before the 1960s often had only 40 trees per acre and were spaced 40 feet by 40 feet. With good pruning, standard size trees can be planted at about 26 feet x 20 feet with 84 trees per acre; these trees will attain a height of about 24 feet.
Semi-dwarfing rootstocks typically produce trees that are about 60% to 90% of standard size, with a height of about 14 feet to 22 feet, depending on the rootstock. Semi-dwarfing rootstocks were commonly planted at a spacing of 22 feet x 16 feet (132 trees per acre) during the 1960s through the 1980s.
Dwarfing rootstocks typically produce trees that are about 30% to 60% of the size of trees on seedling rootstocks, with a mature height of about 6 feet to 12 feet. Depending on the soil, scion cultivar, and training system, trees on dwarf rootstocks can be spaced at 20 feet x 14 feet (173 trees per acre ) to 14 feet x 4 feet (778 trees per acre). Some of the more progressive apple growers, in regions with less vigorous growing conditions, are planting very high tree densities with spacings of 14 feet x 2 feet with 1,556 trees per acre.
A chart of rootstocks with links to characteristics and descriptions can be found here.
For more information:
Dr. Emily E. Hoover, University of Minnesota
Dr. Richard Marini, Penn State University
FAQs
Generally, dwarf trees will reach up to 50% of the height of a full-size tree and semi-dwarf trees will reach up to 75% of that height. In regards to apples, for example, dwarf trees generally reach 8-10ft, semi-dwarf trees 12-15ft, and full-size trees 15-20ft.
How long does it take for a semi-dwarf apple tree to bear fruit? ›
Apple trees need at least 8 hours of sun per day during the growing season. Two varieties are required for successful pollination; one can be a crabapple. Dwarf apple trees will start bearing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting. Standard size trees can take up to 8 years to bear fruit.
How many apples will a standard apple tree produce? ›
There is an average of three apples in one pound, so, every season, a mature standard apple tree will yield roughly 1,500 apples, a Semi-Dwarf apple tree will yield roughly 750 apples, and a Dwarf apple tree will yield roughly 120 to 300 apples.
Are dwarf apple trees worth it? ›
Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are easier to maintain (prune, spray, harvest, etc.), fit better into small home landscapes, and produce fruit sooner after planting than standard-size trees.
How close do you plant semi-dwarf apple trees? ›
In regions with cold winters and short grower seasons, dwarf apple and cherry trees need a spacing of 6 to 8 feet, semi-dwarf trees about 15 feet, and standard or full-sized trees about 25 feet. Pears and non-dwarf sweet cherries are larger than other types of fruit trees, and should be given an additional 5 feet.
Do you need two dwarf apple trees to produce fruit? ›
One tree is not enough
So if you want an abundance of fruit, you'll need to buy a second apple tree when you head out to the nursery (unless your neighbor is growing apples too). Your trees must bloom at the same time to pollinate each other, however, so do some research before making your selections.
How many apple trees should you plant together? ›
Apples are self-unfruitful. Plant at least two different apple tree varieties within 50-100 feet of one another for a good fruit set. Some apple varieties, such as Golden Delicious, will produce a crop without cross-pollination from a second variety.
When to spray apple trees? ›
Generally, we recommend to start spraying around 7 to 10 days after petal fall. Then continue every 7 to 10 days throughout the growing season. However, it's important to monitor the weather conditions, as heavy rainfall may require additional spraying.
How many apples should I leave on tree? ›
Leave just one fruit per cluster. Thinning can be done using secateurs, long scisssors or with a firm tug between thumb and forefinger. Remove misshapened, blemished fruit or poorly positioned fruit and the 'king' fruit at the centre of the cluster which is sometimes abnormally shaped.
What is the disadvantage of a dwarf fruit tree? ›
Disadvantages. Their small root systems are more vulnerable to drought -- and thus to pests and diseases -- and anchor the trees less well than more vigorous root systems. Many dwarfing rootstocks require that the tree be well-staked or grown on wire, as with espaliers, to prevent the tree from breaking at ground level ...
'Liberty' and 'Redfree' are both scab and rust resistant. Life expectancy for a dwarf tree is somewhat determined by the type of rootstock used. In general, a dwarf apple may live 15-20 years.
Should you prune dwarf apple trees? ›
Each summer, keep your tree compact and manageable with summer pruning (cutting new growth back by half). If your tree is particularly vigorous, do a late spring pruning (cutting new growth back by half) as well.
How big do dwarf apples get? ›
Dwarf fruit trees grow to about 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, providing an abundance of full-sized fruit without requiring a lot of room to grow. Dwarf fruit trees require less pruning because the trees have limited root systems and a compact growth habit.
Do dwarf fruit trees produce less fruit? ›
These small-sized trees will provide an abundance of full-sized fruit, but without requiring a large amount of room to grow.
What are the smallest apples to eat? ›
Rockit™ Apples from Chelan Fresh are not typical apples. And we don't consider them to be. Rather, they're the first deliciously sweet apple that's naturally grown to be miniature! They're the perfect size for kids and the kid in everyone.
How do you keep a semi-dwarf apple tree small? ›
The secret to keeping fruit trees to a height that is convenient for you is by pruning. Think of a height you want to keep it at and don't let it go beyond that goal, if it does, you prune it off. You can keep fruit trees to any desired height whether it is a semi-dwarf or standard size tree by size management.
