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In private and commercial fruit growing, a distinction is made between tree shapes. The decisive criterion is the respective trunk height. This guide will tell you about the different categories and how to use them. A meaningful size table offers a general overview of all options for the home garden.
The clear stem is widespread in fruit growing
Table of Contents
Show all- Tree forms in a brief overview
- Tree forms examined in more detail
Tree forms in a brief overview
Planting a fruit tree in the home garden is not a side project. In advance, you should carefully check whether your favorite is actually suitable for your garden. In the first step of the decision-making process, the tree shape comes into focus, because here you lay the basis for potential crown shapes with your selection. The following table gives you a closer look at tree shapes in private orchards:
| tree shape | trunk height | average final height to be expected |
|---|---|---|
| standard | 160 to 200 cm | 800 to 1200 cm |
| half stem | 100 to 160 cm | 500 to 800 cm |
| low stem | 60 to 100 cm | 300 to 500 cm |
| spindle | 40 to 60 cm | 250 to 300 cm |
As a special form, the columnar tree has had a steep career to enable balcony gardeners and allotment gardeners to grow fruit privately. The side shoots sprout as fruit wood on the stable central shoot, so that the fruit dangles directly from the trunk. The slender form makes do with a modest planting distance of 50 centimeters and grows to a height of 200 to 400 centimetres.
Tree forms examined in more detail
Knowledge of the trunk height alone is not enough to make an informed decision for the right fruit tree. The following explanations contain further information:
standard
The cultivation of high-stem fruit can only be considered where the garden can provide an area of at least 10 m x 10 m. House gardeners primarily consider this tree shape when a seating area is to be shaded next to the fruit harvest or when small animals are kept close to nature. Apples, pears and, above all, fast-growing sweet cherries are classics for cultivation as standard trees.
half stem
Apples, pears, plums, apricots and sour cherries are predestined for half-stems. With a trunk height of up to 160 centimetres, this type of tree scores with uncomplicated pruning and harvesting. Home gardeners appreciate that half-stem fruit reaches the yield stage earlier and produces larger fruit thanks to a smaller crown. Under normal framework and weather conditions, you can already bring in the first harvest after 5 to 6 years.
low stem
If the garden area is tight in new development areas, the low-trunk form becomes interesting for home gardeners. In contrast to spindle or column, higher crop yields can be expected. The cut care can be easily managed with the help of a small ladder. Furthermore, the harvesting work does not require any dangerous climbing, as in majestic tall trees.
spindle
Thanks to this tree shape, owners of a small garden can also look forward to a rich fruit harvest. With a trunk height of 40 to 60 centimeters on the day of planting, the spindle reaches a maximum height of 250 to 300 centimeters over the years. Characteristic is the upbringing of the side shoots in the horizontal, which entails continuous pruning measures. Furthermore, a spindle tree requires a support post for life.
youtubetips
When looking for the perfect fruit tree, tree and crown shapes are not the only criteria. Please also include your time capacities for cutting care. For example, peach trees require an annual, extensive maintenance pruning, whereas sweet cherries are satisfied with a simple pruning every 3 to 4 years.