I purchased a three-in-one plum tree from Raintree last year. It has grown nicely and was well labelled. I weighted down the branches with rope and a stone to make the tree more open centered. Looks like it may be budded for fruit next year. I transferred some chip buds ( my first attempt at chip budding) to other plums that I have, so we'll see next spring if that was successful. I have been grafting scions onto existing apple and pear trees for a few years now. My first reaction when these grafts fruited was that flavor must be affected and in decline when a graft. (Mollie's Delicious on Jonathan had no taste; Vista Bella on same tree was o.k.) However, this year has changed that --Honeycrisp is one of four grafts on Hawkeye Delicious and is wonderful. The Grimes Golden on that tree is also great, and expecting great things from Florina in a few weeks. One thing I think I've learned is to not let the tree overbear.

Hi all, When I started my mini orchard, I also went after trees that were as close to bearing age as I could afford. I order 2 five gallon persimmon trees from buyplantsonline in January of this year, one tree produce about five persimmons and the other tree never really leaf out but John replaced it at no cost to me (great customer service too) unlike other places that ask you to pay the shipping for a replacement. I also ordered several trees from Bay Laurel this year, the nursery employee said they would produce some fruit in 2012 and the crop would increase each year thereafter. Three of the BL trees flowered this summer but no fruit formed. Also another member on this forum has posted that his trees from Bay Laurel (I think he said they were from BL) fruited in their second leaf. Baylaurels trees cost much less, but I'm very happy with all the trees. Goodluck

Cuttings are made from green 1 year old wood typically. New growth wood has a tendency to root faster. Depending on what your rooting will determine how long until you get fruit. Peaches for example bear fruit In Just 2-3 years. Some pears, apples and plums take 10 years. Let us know specifically what you have in mind. Even if you took a cutting that developed fruit you would want to remove that fruit. New fruit trees need new roots and if they are developing fruit they are not developing enough roots.

Our family recently moved out to 12 acres and have 18 fruit trees planted by previous owner. Hoping to gain as much knowledge and insight as possible as my family becomes better educated. We haven't sprayed anything at this point and hope we can manage to get some production this year. My original post was made in Texas Gardening sub-thread: http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/3739820/m=23/fruit-peach-trees-pest-and-care-help