How to Select Fruit Trees for Your Yard

Climate requirements

If you have the space to grow trees outdoors, you need to do some research and learn which vaieties of fruit and nut trees will grow well in your area, both for the type of soil you have and climate. Many areas contain many different soils even within a single piece of property, so know your soil types and carefully select the right site for planting.

Micro-climates, such as locating the orchard near a body or water, can effect whether or not a particular crop can be successfully grown at your location.

Location is key

Many fruit trees require an abundant sunlight. Also, be sure the planting site can accommodate the full size of the tree. Consider the height of the tree as well as the circumference of the drip line. If you are collecting rain water you do not want trees that drop leaves, pollen or fruit into your gutters. Be aware of any power lines and right of ways with which the tree may eventually interfere as well as any underground utilities, sewer lines, etc that may be present. Many cities have a Call Before you Dig type of service which will locate and identify underground lines.

Match trees to soil type and climate as closely as possible.

Harvest dates

With careful selection, you can extend your harvest season by planting more than one variety. For example, you could harvest peaches from late May through early August by choosing the right varieties. On the other hand, you might end up with fruit rotting on the ground by planting too many trees with similar ripening dates.

Know if your tree self-pollinates or needs cross pollination

It is important to know which varieties of trees will grow well in your area and to know if the tree can self-pollinate or not.

Self-pollination means the tree has the ability transfer the pollen from the anthers to the stigma of the same flower or of another flower on the same plant.
If not, the tree will need a companion plant to fruit because it needs to cross-pollinate, meaning it needs to transfer the pollen from the anthers of one flower onto the stigma of another flower through some means of transportation such as insects, birds, bats, or wind.
Experience has shown that even self-pollinating trees seem to produce better when they have another compatible tree nearby.

Several fruit types require more than one variety to ensure proper pollination and fruit set. These include apple, blueberry, pear, plum (although some plums will self-pollinate) and some muscadine grape varieties. When selecting these types, be sure to include more than one named variety in your yard or orchard. Pecans also benefit from having more than one variety close by. However, since the pollen is carried on the wind, if there are pecans in the neighborhood, you could rely on those if orchard space is tight.

Peaches, the most popular backyard fruit, do not require a second variety for pollination.

Buying Trees

Most trees are typically purchased from a nursery or store. It is also possible to start trees from seeds or acorns or propagate them. When selecting a tree, you may have tow options, either bare root or container.

Bare root trees are dug out of the ground and typically have their roots wrapped in burlap type sacks protection. By digging up the tree this way, the tree is put into a dormant state that allows it to quickly acclimate to new soil conditions. Not all trees can be shipped this way, but most fruit trees, roses,berries, shrubs and perennials can be. Bare root trees are typically one season old and can only be planted in the winter months, when the tree is dormant. The timing is also dependent upon your local weather conditions. Bare root trees need to be planted immediately.
Container trees are those that have been allowed to grow in the container in which your purchase it for some time. Typically at the time of purchase the roots are fairly root bound in the pot and sometimes their root systems are less robust than field grown trees. Container trees are typically two years or older can be planted almost any time of the year from late summer through spring. Container grown trees can typically remain in their container for a few weeks if they are well watered, but they should be planted as quickly as possible. It is possible to continue to grow some varieties of trees in containers, although the tree will likely need to be potted up soon after it is purchased.