Can any tree be a “dwarf” tree if I keep pruning it?

[SteaknSalad]

I’m planning to plant some fruit/nut trees later this year. My garden isn’t huge, so ideally I’d like the trees to remain a moderate size.

There are lots of dwarf varieties available for things like apple trees, cherry trees etc, but fewer options when it comes to more unusual fruits.

Is it possible to plant a regular fruit tree, and prune it to keep it at a “dwarf” size? Or will this harm the tree in some way?

Good question. Bumping for you.
I have a bonsai and they say those are regular trees cut short so…?

I bought a cherry tree on a dwarf root.
except it really isn’t.
it is now 20 ft tall and really wide. It’s massive!!!
no pruning would have kept it smaller.
actual dwarf trees are more manageable in a small space

It depends how vigorous they are I'd say to how much pruning they'll take. I've got a 'hedge' of mulberry trees that would like to be twenty metres high but stay 6ft with twice a year pruning but that's probably because they grow like mad no matter what..

Perhaps worth contacting some tree specialist small nurseries if you're after something particular on a dwarf stock? I know of two based in Devon who stock a wide range of unusual fruit trees on various rootstocks and may perhaps be open to a request.. worth asking around, lots of plants people like a challenge!