Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are identical to their standard-size cousins, but they are grafted onto rootstock which checks their growth and size--resulting in a smaller tree. However, dwarf and semi-dwarf trees produce full-size fruit, often of superior quality. Their shorter height and the smaller spread of their canopy makes them ideal to grow in urban and suburban yards.
Easy to Maintain
Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are much easier to care for than their full-size relations. It is easier to reach their topmost branches to spray for pest and disease control; and it is also easier to harvest their fruit. In the case of semi-dwarf trees, no ladder is needed to reach fruit on the top branches.
Require Less Space
Because dwarf and semi-dwarf trees do not spread as wide as full-size trees, they take up less space in the home orchard; several dwarf trees can be grown in the same amount of space needed to grow a full-size tree. This will increase the number of varieties that can be grown in a home orchard. The small space requirements of dwarf and semi-dwarf trees also allow for more choices of planting locations because they take up less space at maturity.
Fruiting Starts Sooner
Varieties of fruit trees that are grown on dwarfing rootstock tend to produce fruit crops sooner than standard-size fruit trees of the same variety. One trade-off is that because of their smaller size, dwarf and semi-dwarf trees produce smaller crops overall than standard-size trees.