USING FRUIT TREES AS ORNAMENTALS
Self-pollinating trees give you the option of planting them here and there around your property. For those of us who don’t care for garden whimsy and don’t have time to devote to the constant trimming that topiary requires, an artistically pruned dwarf fruit tree can be a very acceptable substitute. Using fruit trees as ornamentals is becoming more and more popular.
White pear blossoms; pink cherry, peach, and plum blossoms; red or pink quince blossoms; and pale pink and white apple blossoms remind me of prom dresses.
All of them bloom at the same time as daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, and some types of flowering shrubs. Once the blossoms are gone, the beautiful shape of the leaves will make the trees stand out in the landscape.
Some people plant a dwarf fruit tree within their flower border. This idea appealed to me till I thought of the mess that removing fallen fruit from the middle of a flower bed would be. Plus, if the tree ever needed to be removed, you’d have to disturb many flowering plants in the process.
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A fruit tree that has outlived its usefulness can be pruned back and become a support for a tall climbing rose or grape vine.
GARDEN DESIGN
Some people plant fruit trees in place of shade or ornamental trees when lawn space is limited. A fruit tree doesn’t lose its leaves as soon in the Fall as most other trees do, a characteristic that some people seem to like.
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They can be rather messy since you must pick up fallen fruit each time you want to mow the lawn. Smashed fruit has been the cause of many slip and fall accidents. Nut trees create the problem of dangerous projectiles flying in all directions when you mow over them.
Plan your project ahead of time. Don’t make a last minute decision on a planting location. A fruit tree is a long-term investment in both food and beauty. It also should help the value of your property if you choose your planting location wisely.
HAPPY PLANTING! Susan
For more in-depth information on GROWING YOUR OWN FRUIT
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