ABSTRACT This review discusses the research progress of regulating tree dwarfing in fruit tree rootstocks, including its definition, manifestation, mechanism and application of different rootstocks. Studies indicate that dwarfing rootstocks reduce vegetative growth while promoting reproductive growth. Compared with vigorous rootstocks, the contents of indole‐3‐acetic acid, cytokinin, and gibberellin in leaves is lower, while the content of abscisic acid is higher. In addition, root structure, water and nutrient absorption capacity, hormone level and gene expression of rootstocks also affect the dwarfing effect. It was also found that dwarfing rootstocks had strong environmental adaptability, which could improve the stress resistance and fruit quality of fruit trees.