The concept of functional landscapes is not new, but is getting more and more popular by the minute. A quick look into the idea leads you to the conclusion that people want more from their lawns and landscapes than beautiful looks. They want sustainability, functionality, and edible fresh, organic products. This is why you will see many pocket-sized vegetable gardens beautifully included on a property, vertical gardens boasting scented herbs and spices and even small orchards with great benefits. We have gathered today a group of tree service Dixon, IL experts to tell us how and where to begin to develop a pocket-sized orchard on your property as the cold season is the perfect one to begin preparations.

1. Decide on the Orchard’s Size

If you don’t own a large property, a pocket-sized orchard in your garden may actually be quite small. This doesn’t mean you can’t grow fruit trees for a long-term delicious effect, it means that you should carefully pick the right trees to thrive on your small patch of land. Choose the location depending on the next three factors: fertile soil, good air and excellent water drainage. Of course, the best place for an orchard would be a slope, but if your property isn’t built on one, you should pick the spot in accordance with other factors. Ask your local tree service, Dixon, IL company for a full assessment and recommendations on where to start your small orchard depending on the landscape, soil quality, exposure to wind and so on.

2. Make the Soil as Good as It Can Be

After you chose your future orchard’s placement, you need to make sure the soil allows fruit trees or fruit shrubs to thrive. A soil test will give you a clear understanding on its pH, its fertilization needs, its composition and its vulnerabilities. Usually, an orchard needs different levels of nourishment and protection, so ask your local lawn care Dixon, IL company to test the soil first and then apply all the measures necessary to ensure a full fruit trees’ growth next season. Some issues to be considered are the use of mulch, compost, fertilizers, weed killers or pesticides. You might also need to apply rock potash, phosphates, manure or other organic fertilizers deep in the soil to make it viable for fruit trees.

3. Pick the Right Species of Fruit Trees

If your soil is good to be planted, it’s time to pick your fruits. Of course, since this is a pocket-sized orchard, you will have to limit yourself to low-growing species of fruit trees or even dwarf-ones. Fruit shrubs are also great picks for a small, chic orchard to tend to in the garden. Depending on the soil, the climacteric conditions and the advice you received from your tree service Dixon, IL experts, you can go for fig, peach trees, plum trees, apricot trees, pomegranates, almond and so on. Pick trees which are resilient to your local climacteric conditions, weeds and pests.