THE FRUIT TREE TRIO
Living in the state of California has its advantages. California is the number one agricultural state in our United States. California’s agricultural abundance includes more than 400 commodities. The state produces nearly half of U.S.-grown fruits, nuts and vegetables. Here in the San Joaquin Valley, our local farmers grow an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Our local grocery stores purchase these fruits and vegetables that have been picked “early” to prevent bruising and prolong shelf life. But there is nothing better than sweet and juicy fresh picked fruit from your own backyard. It has more sugars, great taste and better nutritional value.
One of the good problems that we have as a backyard farmer, especially with fruit trees is excessive fruit production at harvest time. A healthy, single fruit tree depending upon age and variety can produce anywhere from 30 – 150 pounds of produce. In many cases, the harvest season will occur in a 2 to 3 week period. The quantity can overwhelm a small family and the fruit rots on the tree or drops to the ground. One local news personality told me that he had over 500 pounds of fruit harvested from 4 trees. That’s a lot of fruit for a couple of people.
Another problem is that our yards are getting smaller and for those families who want some variety, they don’t have room for lots of trees. The third problem that occurs for some gardeners, they have a pretty flowering fruit tree with no fruit production. This occurs because certain fruit types require a cross pollinator or “mate” to insure fruit development.
Here’s the solution for these dilemmas. Why not plant 3 trees in the space for one. The idea is that each of the 3 trees that are planted together will behave as 1/3 of the tree’s canopy. This reduces down the total quantity of fruit that may be harvested at one time period. Instead of having 60 pounds of peaches that are ripe at one time period in July, why not have 20 pounds each of peaches that are harvested in June, July and August? Plus, it gives a little taste variety so we don’t tire of the same fruit taste. Our space requirement for tree growth is for one tree instead of three. And if your fruit choices need a pollinator, the proper mates can be planted.
One of the good problems that we have as a backyard farmer, especially with fruit trees is excessive fruit production at harvest time. A healthy, single fruit tree depending upon age and variety can produce anywhere from 30 – 150 pounds of produce. In many cases, the harvest season will occur in a 2 to 3 week period. The quantity can overwhelm a small family and the fruit rots on the tree or drops to the ground. One local news personality told me that he had over 500 pounds of fruit harvested from 4 trees. That’s a lot of fruit for a couple of people.
Another problem is that our yards are getting smaller and for those families who want some variety, they don’t have room for lots of trees. The third problem that occurs for some gardeners, they have a pretty flowering fruit tree with no fruit production. This occurs because certain fruit types require a cross pollinator or “mate” to insure fruit development.
Here’s the solution for these dilemmas. Why not plant 3 trees in the space for one. The idea is that each of the 3 trees that are planted together will behave as 1/3 of the tree’s canopy. This reduces down the total quantity of fruit that may be harvested at one time period. Instead of having 60 pounds of peaches that are ripe at one time period in July, why not have 20 pounds each of peaches that are harvested in June, July and August? Plus, it gives a little taste variety so we don’t tire of the same fruit taste. Our space requirement for tree growth is for one tree instead of three. And if your fruit choices need a pollinator, the proper mates can be planted.
How to plant my Fruit Tree Trio
1. Select trees that have a compatible root system and growth habit. Because the individual trees will be growing closely together, their root system may graft together. Incompatibility causes fighting. For example, many peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots may be grafted on nemaguard root stock. You can even create a “fruit salad tree” and plant self-pollinating peach, nectarine, plum and apricot together. You may also plant citrus together. Do not mix citrus with deciduous fruit trees. Ask your local nursery about growth compatibility.
2. The trees should be planted in a triangle 24-inches apart at a slight outward angle. The tree’s trunk acts as an individual branch. The individual trees should be trimmed to eliminate cross branches or limbs that grow back into the center of the triangle. After they establish, trim as if they were a normal tree.
Here are some more suggestions from L. E. Cooke Company, one of the nation’s top bare root fruit tree growers located in Visalia, California.
Selection considerations
Where pollination is required, include varieties that pollinate each other. For example, if you plant Early Ruby, Black Tartarian and Bing Cherries, you have varieties that pollinate each other and provide an abundance of cherries from Late May through Mid-June.
Considerations for a winning combination:
Almonds: Ne Plus, Nonpareil and Texas Mission.
Apples: Red, Green and Yellow or Early, Mid and Late Season.
Apricots: June, July and August ripening.
Cherries: Early June ripening, Mid June ripening and a Sweet Pollinizer.
Nectarines: June, July and August ripening or a White fleshed variety.
Peaches: June, July and August ripening or a White fleshed variety.
Asian Pears: July, August, September ripening.
Domestic Pears: Early Season, Late Season, Red Skin.
Plums: Red meat, Purple meat and Yellow meat.
