Inspired to make the use of our suburban yard space, this video looks at how to plant multiple trees in the space normally occupied by a single fruit tree. Sometimes referred to as “Backyard Orchard Culture” or “High Density Planting”, this makes it possible for a suburban or even urban grower to enjoy a variety of fruit trees where they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. The main takeaways include managing tree height through use of a low Nitrogen fertilizer, and by pruning using quality bypass shears like those linked below.
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32 Comments
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Very inspiring. Thanks!
Question1: I live in Minnesota. I have planted 2 fruit trees for my zone (4B) yesterday Aug 24 – (a contender peach and a north star cherry) , and I would like to keep them about 5 1/2 feet tall forever (right now they are about 5 feet tall out from the nursery). I am about to make that big cut of the main central trunk at about knee high as you described – leaving a few buds / branches under which hopefully will start a "cup" shape for the trees. I am afraid to make the cut and weaken the trees enough that they won't make it through winter here – should I be worried? is that "big" cut to make the trees small hard on the tree's health and root system?
Question2: the main central branch is about 3/4 of an inch in diameter.Is cutting with a reciprocating saw ok to make a clean cut? should a "tree pruning sealer" applied on the cut?
Maybe you or one of your viewers can answer my questions.
Thank you all!
Great video! Will this work on a pear or plum tree that has been grafted with a few varieties? Could cutting the tree possibly remove one or two of the different varieties?
Genius. Thank you
Ah yes! A miyawaki orchard! <3 I'll be doing this in a very small plot of land.
How close can you plant apples peaches or plums to a house if you keep it no taller than 9 feet?
Thank you
I have a some peach trees I want to do this with. Have you ever incorporated the Elen White method with high density planting? If so, could you refer me to your video or a link you may know of with these two methods combined? Thank you and I do enjoy your channel.
How close are the trees planted to each other at the 4-minute mark?
When is the best time to prune? I live in zone 8b
This is awesome
I just transplanted a 5 gallon (about 4 ft i think at this point) sweet cherry and it looks like the nursery already pruned into a open center. I’m happy with the shape but I think that it probably needs to be pruned further to get the height down. Should I leave it be or am I able to bring it down some? I’ve also got an Asian pear that i transplanted in the spring and it’s more of a central leader. Id like that to be a modified central. It’s got a lot of great 360 degree branching, should I have any issues pruning the central branch now? Thank you!
Where r u located?
Great tips
You mention a fertilizer low on N here, any suggestions for what you use and how often/times of year?
So did it work
very informative and generous video about fruit trees in small space. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Do you get a fair apple harvest? I didn't know you need two apple trees to cross pollinate.
Also, that you for saying to go with a low nitrogen fertilizer, to keep the explosive foliage growth. I have a small back yard and need to add an apple tree and thanks to this video, I feel confident about keeping it low and close.
1 million thanks for posting this video.
Have been in ground 6yrs? Should have lots of fruit already!
I just put in my 2nd apple tree about 6ft away from my first apple tree. I’ll keep you posted.
What is the white stuff on the lower side of the stem of the treesI am trying to start planting trees?
Thank you so much great video😃 I really learned a lot👍🏽
I have a mulberry tree to plant, I'm new to all of this. If I make the cut in the middle of the tree does that mean the that the tree will only stay at one certain height forever ? Thank you
i heard that non dwarfed variety root stocks are much better. I heard that fertilizing new plants can burn the roots, to wait a while.
@darshan lionel
So even fruit trees that are not dwarf can be pruned short?
I have a honey crisp apple tree to plant – do I prune it right after planting or wait?
Thanks for a very informative video! How far apart are the trees spaced?
Super helpful, ty!
Thanks so much! This is an awesome video. Next spring I am planting out a backyard orchard and plan to do it just like this. It was great so see it in someone's yard!
Good on ya mate great show
Very good.