It used to be that most every Iowa backyard had a big, spreading apple tree. It produced many bushels of apples that were lovingly turned into endless pies, crisps, canned applesauce and dried apples.

Growing fruit trees always seems like a joyous and productive endeavor, promising you a delicious bounty. Until you actually do it. There are more than 7,500 kinds of apples and thousands of pear ...