BIG FRUIT, Small Yard: 6 Tiny Fruit Trees For HUGE Harvests!

Summary

In this video, the creator shares six incredibly small fruit trees that can thrive in even the tiniest yards, offering big harvests with minimal space. These trees are ideal for small spaces, requiring annual pruning and dwarf rootstocks to keep them compact. The trees featured include the Itchy Kikjiro Asian Persimmon, Bonanza Peach, Figs, Citrus on trifoliate rootstock, Pineapple Guava, and Pomegranate. The video emphasizes low-maintenance, high-yield gardening techniques, highlighting how small spaces can be maximized to grow a variety of fruitful trees with minimal effort and maintenance.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can grow a variety of fruit trees in even the smallest yards by selecting dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties and practicing annual pruning.
• 🌳 Growing 54 fruit trees in only 0.04 acres of space proves that small yards can still produce abundant harvests.
• 🍏 Proper site selection and maintaining a consistent pruning schedule are key to keeping fruit trees small while still yielding large fruits.
• 🍐 The Itchy Kikjiro Asian persimmon is a compact, self-fertile tree that produces sweet, non-astringent fruit and is cold-hardy down to zone 6.
• 🍑 The Bonanza peach tree is an extremely dwarfing variety that yields full-sized, freestone peaches, ideal for small spaces and container gardening.
• 🍓 Fig trees, when pruned annually, can be kept small and manageable, providing figs in colder climates by cutting back to the roots each year.
• 🍊 Citrus trees grafted onto trifoliate rootstock, such as the Owari satsuma, can be kept as small shrubs, making them suitable for small yards even in colder climates.
• 🍍 The Pineapple Guava (Fjora) is a hardy, low-maintenance fruit shrub that produces sweet and tart fruits, and is resistant to pests and diseases.
• 🍋 Pomegranate trees can be maintained as small, ornamental shrubs that yield fruit with minimal care when pruned annually.
• 🌱 Annual pruning not only keeps fruit trees small but also encourages more fruit production, leading to healthier, more productive trees.
• 🌟 Even with limited space, you can grow a wide variety of fruit trees that produce high-quality harvests if you choose the right varieties and care for them properly.

Q & A

What are the key factors to successfully growing fruit trees in a small backyard?

The key factors include proper site selection, annual pruning to maintain a small size, and choosing dwarfing tree varieties grafted onto dwarf rootstocks. These practices allow for growing many fruit trees in a small space, like the 54 trees in the speaker's 0.04-acre backyard.

What is the Itchy Kikjiro Asian persimmon tree, and why is it ideal for small yards?

The Itchy Kikjiro Asian persimmon is a very small, low-maintenance fruit tree that can be kept around 5-6 feet tall through annual pruning. It is cold-hardy down to zone 6, self-fertile, resistant to pests, and produces delicious non-astringent fruit that can be eaten both firm or soft.

What makes the Bonanza Peach tree a good option for small yards?

The Bonanza Peach tree is a super dwarf tree, only reaching about 5-6 feet in height. It produces full-sized, freestone peaches and is self-fertile. It is also cold-hardy to zone 6 and requires minimal pruning to maintain its size, making it ideal for small spaces or container gardening.

Why are fig trees recommended for small growing spaces despite their reputation?

Fig trees can be pruned back hard each year, allowing them to grow 8-10 feet tall without becoming invasive. In colder climates, fig trees may die back to the ground in winter and sprout back up, which keeps them manageable in size. Additionally, they are relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in smaller spaces.

How can citrus trees fit into small yards?

Citrus trees grafted onto trifoliate rootstock, such as the Flying Dragon variety, grow as small, bush-like shrubs. With annual pruning, they can be kept small and fit in tight spaces. These trees are also cold-hardy to zone 7 and can produce fruit in late fall and early winter, extending the harvest season.

What is a Pineapple Guava (Feijoa), and why is it considered a low-maintenance fruiting shrub?

Pineapple Guava is a cold-hardy, low-maintenance shrub that can thrive in small spaces. It is resistant to pests, disease, and the elements, requiring only occasional pruning. Its unique fruit has a sweet-tart flavor, and it produces fragrant flowers that are edible, making it an attractive and productive option for small gardens.

What is the advantage of growing dwarf pomegranate trees in a small yard?

Dwarf pomegranate trees, like the Parfianka variety, are shrubby and can be pruned to maintain a height of 5-6 feet, making them perfect for small spaces. They are cold-hardy to zone 6-7 and can produce beautiful ornamental flowers and fruit with minimal care. However, they may need to be protected from humidity and fungal diseases in wet climates.

How does annual pruning benefit fruit trees in small yards?

Annual pruning not only keeps fruit trees small but also encourages better fruit production and overall tree health. Pruning helps manage size, improves airflow and light exposure, and reduces pest problems, allowing trees to thrive in compact spaces while maximizing yields.

What are some common challenges when growing fruit trees in small urban yards?

Challenges include limited space for root expansion, potential pest issues due to proximity to neighbors, and the need for regular pruning to maintain size. However, selecting dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties and using creative planting techniques, such as planting along fences or using containers, can help overcome these issues.

What are some practical tips for growing fruit trees in an HOA (Homeowners Association) area?

In an HOA area, it’s important to follow the rules about tree height and placement. Opt for dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties, plant along fences or walls to save space, and prune trees regularly to ensure they don't exceed size limits. Additionally, selecting trees with minimal maintenance and pest issues will help reduce concerns from neighbors.