There’s nothing sweeter than fruit grown from your very own tree. In fact, many varieties are simple to grow and maintain, and in addition to bearing fruit, most will produce lovely flowers and attract helpful pollinators to your garden. Below, we’ll take a look at what makes a fruit tree easy to grow and offer some recommendations for your yard.
What To Look for in a Fruit Tree
Before selecting a fruit tree, consider a few key factors. First, determine whether the tree is self-pollinating or requires a pollinator. Self-pollinating trees are generally easier to maintain, as they don’t need a companion tree to produce fruit. However, if you opt for a species or cultivar that requires a pollinator, arborists can often graft it onto a self-pollinating tree, effectively making it self-sufficient.
Another important consideration is your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone, or growing zone. Ensure that the species you choose can thrive in your specific climate. Additionally, consider the available space in your yard. Standard-size trees are suitable for larger areas, while dwarf varieties are perfect for smaller spaces or container gardening.
Keep in mind that most fruit trees take a couple of years or more to start bearing fruit, so patience is key. All fruit trees require some maintenance to produce fruit.
Easy Fruit Trees To Grow
Fig Trees
Fig trees are an excellent choice for beginners in fruit tree cultivation. These hardy plants grow rapidly, adapt well to various climates, and are naturally resistant to many common diseases. One of the most appealing aspects of fig trees is their low maintenance requirements—they rarely need pruning and can thrive with minimal care. Additionally, fig trees’ decorative broad leaves and unique bark patterns add a distinctive touch to your garden.
Even small potted fig trees can produce full-size fruit, making them perfect for gardeners with limited space. The Brown Turkey variety is particularly popular due to its exceptional hardiness and reliability. These trees can withstand both heat and cold, making them suitable for a wide range of growing zones. The versatility of fig trees extends to their fruit, which can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in a variety of culinary dishes.
To ensure your fig tree thrives, plant it in a sunny location with well-draining soil. While they’re drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during the first growing season will help them develop a strong root system. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, further reducing maintenance needs.
Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are another excellent option for those seeking low-maintenance fruit trees. These beautiful trees require minimal pruning and are generally resistant to diseases, making them ideal for novice gardeners. Cherry trees are known for their stunning spring blossoms, which add a picturesque touch to any landscape before giving way to delicious fruit in the summer. The blossoms also attract a variety of pollinators, which enhances the biodiversity in your garden.
While cherry trees are relatively low-maintenance, they do have a higher water requirement compared to some other fruit trees. To keep your cherry tree healthy and productive, ensure it receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree can help retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency. Fertilizing your cherry tree annually will also supplement its nutrient needs, promoting vigorous growth and fruit production.
When selecting a cherry tree, choose a variety that produces edible fruit, as some ornamental varieties are grown solely for their flowers. Sweet cherry varieties like Bing and Rainier are popular choices for home gardens, while sour cherries like Montmorency are excellent for cooking and baking.
Plum Trees
Plum trees are known for their ease of care and bountiful harvests. These trees require minimal pruning and are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be sensitive to extreme frost and strong winds, so it’s important to choose a protected location in your yard. The resilience and beauty of plum trees make them a lovely addition to any landscape.
One potential challenge with plum trees is their tendency to overproduce fruit. While this might seem like a good problem to have, it can actually lead to smaller, less flavorful plums and may cause branches to break under the weight. To prevent this, you’ll need to thin the fruit when it’s small, removing excess plums to allow the remaining ones to grow larger and sweeter. Regular thinning ensures that the tree’s resources are directed towards producing high-quality fruit.
The Greengage plum is an excellent variety for beginners, known for its hardiness and delicious, sweet fruit. Other popular varieties include the Santa Rosa and the Italian Prune plum, both of which are self-fertile and produce abundant crops.
Peach and Apricot Trees
Peach and apricot trees are popular choices for home orchards due to the superior taste of freshly picked fruit compared to store-bought varieties. These trees require a bit more attention than some other fruit trees but are still manageable for most gardeners. The rich, juicy fruits they produce are well worth the effort.
Both peach and apricot trees need regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage fruit production. They also require good drainage to prevent root rot. One challenge with these trees is their sensitivity to late spring frosts, which can damage the delicate blossoms. If you live in an area prone to late frosts, consider planting these trees in containers so you can move them to a protected area when necessary. Additionally, covering the trees with frost cloth during cold snaps can offer extra protection.
The Bonanza peach and Pix Zee apricot are dwarf varieties that are well-suited for home gardens. These compact trees produce full-size fruit and are easier to manage than their larger counterparts. To ensure a good harvest, provide your peach and apricot trees with full sun, regular watering, and annual fertilization.
Pear Trees
Pear trees offer a great balance of beauty and productivity, with their elegant spring blossoms and delicious autumn fruit. Pear tree blossoms can also attract beneficial insects, enriching your garden’s ecosystem. Asian pear varieties tend to be hardier and resistant to more diseases than their European counterparts, with the exception of fire blight, which can affect both types.
The Kieffer pear is a European variety that’s known for its adaptability and is widely grown across the United States. This variety is partially self-fertile, meaning it will produce some fruit on its own but yields better when planted near another pear tree for cross-pollination. The versatility and robustness of the Kieffer pear make it an excellent choice for home gardeners.
Pear trees require annual pruning to maintain their shape and encourage fruit production. It’s best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Unlike some other fruit trees, pear trees don’t transplant well, so choose their permanent location carefully before planting. Ensuring that the tree has enough space to grow and access to full sunlight will set it up for success.
Our Conclusion
Low-maintenance fruit trees offer a wonderful way to enhance your yard’s beauty while also providing fresh, homegrown fruit. Apple, orange, and lemon trees are also popular options for the home gardener, but they can be more challenging to raise. If you’re looking for easy fruit trees to grow, stick with the suggestions above. From easy-care fig and cherry trees to the more hands-on peach and apricot varieties, there’s a fruit tree to suit every gardener’s skill level and available space.