Urban Fruit Tree Information
So exactly what are columnar fruit trees? Although growers are working to create a variety of columnar fruit trees, apple trees are currently the only type on the market. You can buy peach, cherry, and plum trees that have an upright, narrow growth habit, but they aren’t true columnar trees. Columnar fruit trees are usually 8 to 10 feet (2-3 m.) tall at maturity, compared to standard trees that reach heights of about 20 feet (6 m.). Spread of columnar apples trees is only about 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.). Apples grown on columnar trees are normal size, but a columnar tree produces less fruit than a standard, dwarf, or semi-dwarf tree. Although they tend to be expensive, columnar trees can produce fruit dependably for about 20 years.
How to Grow a Columnar Fruit Tree
Growing columnar fruit trees is fairly straightforward. Apple trees are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8, which means they tolerate all but very hot or very cold climates. Be sure you can provide a place in full sun, and that you have adequate space. Apples need pollen from a different type of apple tree to set fruit successfully, so you’ll need at least two trees of two separate varieties to provide cross-pollination. Plant the trees within 100 feet (30 m.) of one another so bees and other pollinators will visit both trees. Columnar fruit trees grow well in the ground; allow at least 2 feet (61 cm.) between each tree. You can plant these fruit trees in large containers too, such as whiskey barrels.
Columnar Fruit Tree Care
Water columnar apple trees regularly; the soil should be neither soggy nor bone dry. Feed the trees regularly, using either a balanced fertilizer applied throughout the growing season, or a time-release fertilizer applied once every year. You may need to thin the trees the first year so the branches will support the weight of the apples. Otherwise, prune only as needed to remove damaged branches.
