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Spring is a great time to plant fruit trees. This can be a wonderful hobby that is relaxing and rewarding. It increases the amount of available homegrown food and allows children to learn where food comes from. A key aspect of growing fruit trees is understanding that it is different than growing other landscape plants such as shade trees. Before purchasing, consider the following:
Maintenance: A fruit tree requires regular maintenance throughout its entire life. Several hours, spread out over the growing season, is needed per tree to keep it healthy and to obtain pest-free fruit. Some regular tasks include early spring pruning, fruit thinning, pest and disease control and fruit picking.
Pest and disease control includes multiple timed sprays spread out over the growing season. This can be done using regular pesticides or with reduced risk/organic sprays. It is important to do it because unmaintained trees are a continual source for the spread of pests and disease.
When in doubt, do not plant. If trees are only being grown for a little fresh fruit, it is probably not economical or even worth the time. Instead, purchase fresh, local fruit at a farmers market.
Spacing: Many fruit trees sold to home orchardists are semi-dwarf. When they are properly pruned, they should be planted on 15-20 foot centers. A semi-dwarf tree, left unpruned, will reach around 20 feet high and wide or bigger.
Planting multiple varieties: When planting more than one tree of the same species, consider planting two different varieties that ripen at slightly different times. This will make harvesting and processing easier and reduce the chances that usable fruit rots.
Cross-pollination: Sweet cherries, apples, many plums, pears and some apricots require another tree of the same species but a different variety to be in close proximity for cross-pollination to produce fruit. Count on planting two different trees or making sure a neighbor has one that is a different variety than yours. Stella sweet cherry, Golden Delicious apple and Bartlett pear are all semi-self-pollinating and can be planted individually.
Availability: Shopping early helps ensure that you get the varieties you want. Local garden centers carry many popular types, but it may be necessary to purchase heirloom or less common fruit trees online.
