In private and commercial fruit cultivation, a distinction is made according to tree shape. The relevant criterion is the respective trunk height. This guide will inform you about the different categories and their possible uses. A meaningful size table provides a general overview of all options for the home garden.
What tree shapes are there in the home garden?
There are different tree shapes in the home garden: high trunk (160-200cm trunk height, 800-1200cm final height), half trunk (100-160cm trunk height, 500-800cm final height), low trunk (60-100cm trunk height, 300-500cm final height) and spindle (40-60cm trunk height, 250-300cm final height). The selection depends on the space available and the desired harvest quantity.
Tree shapes in a short overview in tabular format
Planting a fruit tree in your 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 this is where your selection lays the foundation for potential crown shapes. The following table introduces you to tree shapes in private orchards:
| Tree shape | Trunk height | average expected final height |
|---|---|---|
| High trunk | 160 to 200 cm | 800 to 1200 cm |
| Half trunk | 100 to 160 cm | 500 to 800 cm |
| Niederstamm | 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 started a steep career in order to enable private fruit cultivation for balcony gardeners and allotment gardeners. The side shoots sprout as fruit wood on the stable central shoot, so that the fruits dangle directly from the trunk. The slender shape requires a modest planting distance of 50 centimeters and grows to a height of 200 to 400 centimeters.
Tree shapes examined in more detail
Knowledge of trunk height alone is not enough to make an informed decision about the right fruit tree. The following explanations provide further information:
High trunk
The cultivation of standard fruit is only possible where the garden can provide an area of at least 10 m x 10 m. Home gardeners primarily consider this tree shape if they want to shade a seat next to the fruit harvest or if they want to keep small animals close to nature. Classics for cultivation as standard stems are apples, pears and, above all, strong-growing sweet cherries.
Half trunk
Apples, pears, plums, apricots and sour cherries are predestined for half-stems. With a trunk height of up to 160 centimeters, this tree shape scores with uncomplicated pruning care 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 general and weather conditions, you can harvest your first harvest after just 5 to 6 years.
Niederstamm
If garden space is limited in new development areas, the low-stem shape becomes interesting for home gardeners. In contrast to spindle or column, higher crop yields can be expected. Pruning can be easily managed with the help of a small ladder. Furthermore, the harvesting work does not require dangerous climbing, as in majestic high trunks.
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. What is characteristic is that the side shoots are raised horizontally, which entails continuous pruning measures. Furthermore, a spindle tree requires a support post for life.
Obstbaumschnitt Der Kurs Theorie Kap. 4 Baumformen
Tip
When looking for the perfect fruit tree, tree and crown shapes are not the only criteria. Please also take into account your time capacity for cutting care. Peach trees require extensive maintenance pruning every year, whereas sweet cherries are satisfied with a simple thinning pruning every 3 to 4 years.
