Fruit Trees

Trees are called as fruit trees if the fruits they produce are fit for consumption. Fruit trees have been studied and worked with a lot to find the right way to grow and maintain in order to get the right yield.

Pears, plums, cherries, apples, citrus fruits, olive, pomegranates, berries, etc. are some of the fruits that are widely grown are very profitable. Orchards are where trees that produce fruits or nuts are intentionally grown together in large gardens. Apples, oranges, cherries, etc. are grown on orchards

Pollination is very important to get a good yield. Well pollinated apples are the best quality and will have 7 to 10 seeds. Orchards will have pollenizers, which are plants which grow plenty of compatible pollen. Bees are also used to help in the pollination of fruiting trees. Many citrus fruits are produced parthenocarpically. This doesn’t require pollination and seedless fruits are produced. Some varieties are self compatible and the pollen from the same plant or tree can fertilize it. Hand pollination is also possible.

Propagating fruit trees in gardens is generally done by asexual methods. Grafting and budding is done to get a tree of the desired variety on a suitable rootstock. Rooting is the simplest method where a cutting of the tree is planted in the soil. Rooting hormones are sometimes used to assist rooting. Layering is another method where the cutting is removed after the roots have grown. Budding is where a bud and bark of one tree is bound onto a wound made on another tree.

Fruit trees require pruning to control growth and maximize yield. Pruning can stimulate the formation of fruit and flower buds. Pruning helps the tree grow in such a way that the tree is able to bear the weight of the crops. It should be done at the right time depending on the type of fruit to ensure that no harm is done to the tree and there is no negative affect on fruiting.

Most beneficial shapes for a tree are the pyramid shape or an open bowl shape. Any tree can be pruned so that it grows into these shapes. The pyramid shape will allow trees to be grown closer and the open bowl shape allows more sun to reach the tree and hence increases the yield. The open bowl shape also keeps the tree short and this makes fruit picking easier. Depending on the type of tree and the conditions of the environment, the right shape can be chosen for a particular tree.

Growing fruit trees can be very satisfying and profitable but at the same time need a lot of care and will take a lot of your time. They need to be watered during dry seasons and attention will need to be given to keep them healthy and disease free. Fertilizers and pesticides can be used to maximize the yield. Organic fertilizers are chosen over inorganic ones by most farmers as they are safer. Pest control is another major issue which will need to be considered while growing fruits.