Is there anything more rewarding than picking fruit right from your own backyard? It’s the ultimate “thank you” from your plants for all that hard work you put into caring for them. But here’s a pro tip: with columnar fruit trees, you aren’t just getting a delicious harvest—you can actually use these slender beauties to create a natural living screen!
Growing a Columnar Fruit Hedge
If you’re working with a smaller yard, the last thing you want to do is take up your precious lawn space with wide, spreading fruit trees. That’s where a “fruiting hedge” comes in. It’s the perfect workaround for getting your homegrown fruit fix without sacrificing square footage.
Not only do these trees save space, but they also look absolutely stunning. While a columnar hedge might not give you a 100% solid wall of privacy, it makes for a gorgeous decorative boundary. Just keep in mind that depending on the variety, these “little” trees can actually reach a pretty impressive height. Here are some of the best varieties for hedging:
- Apples
- Pears
- Cherries
- Plums
- Raspberries
Give Your Trees Some Breathing Room
Even though the goal is to create a screen, you don’t want to crowd your plants. To keep them happy and productive, make sure you maintain a planting distance of at least 20 inches (50 cm) between each tree. Giving them that little bit of elbow room ensures better airflow, healthier growth, and—most importantly—a much bigger harvest for you!
