Best Fruit Trees (How to choose the right one for you)

When I was younger, my father and I always discussed planting him as a fruit tree when he passed away. He passed away this year and while I knew he wanted to be a tree, I really could not decide which tree. 

I mean, how do you pick the best fruit trees to plant? 

I have had fruit trees, but somehow the idea of planting one with my father’s ashes seemed so permanent. I really began thinking it over on what tree exactly he would be best as based on a variety of factors. 

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What are the best fruit trees to plant?

This is highly dependent on your area. Citrus will not do well in Alaska. But like, I mean, that is pretty much a given. 

For me, deciding what the best fruit tree to plant is entirely up to you and your family. My family loves eating apples. I’m talking like 5lbs a week. This makes apples an important part of my homesteading plan. 

Not only that, but deciding on the best possible variety is important, too. All of these are based on your location. This is also based on the availability of varieties; luckily with the internet, getting varieties is easier than ever!

With code NEW10, you can get 10% off your order at Garden Goods Direct! This company has so many amazing trees that I love!

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Which fruit tree is easiest to grow?

For me, I love my orange tree. It has produced hundreds of oranges with little maintenance. But honestly, I really think this is dependent on your environment. 

The truth of the matter is that there is no true easiest fruit tree to grow. Most trees require some work. Unlike a garden, the amount of work is usually pretty minimal! 

I have also found that more native fruit trees are much easier to grow than others. Like mulberry trees and elderberry. These grow wild around me and the ones we own have flourished with minimal effort. 

Elderberry is known to contain immune-boosting properties and is renowned for making gorgeous syrups!

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Which fruit trees bear fruit fastest?

Peaches are by far the fastest to produce fruits. This is because they mature much faster than others. They have been hands down one of my favorites to grow due to their beautiful blooms and delicious fruits. 

Peach trees produce fruit the fastest. Peaches also produce fruit for about 10 to 20 years. That is a fantastic yield! 

I have also found that peach trees are much hardier than other varieties like citrus. You can grow them in colder environments and will not need to cover them as much as a citrus tree.

That does not mean you will never need to protect your tree from frost. Check out my article on protecting a tree from frost for more information on the subject!

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Which fruit trees are the most beautiful?

While this is mostly a personal opinion, I have really grown to love the look of cherry trees. The blooms are unmatched in beauty. 

Cherries can be slightly more difficult to grow. For sweet cherries, you need two trees for pollination. This can be difficult for those of us who struggle with space. 

It is said that cherries contain melatonin, which can be great for those of us who are sleep-deprived with children!

These trees also do not do well in the heat and need a cooler climate. This makes them a poor choice for Florida. 

Overall, I love all fruit trees and find each one unique and purposeful! Choosing one for you is just about finding what you eat and combining that with a tree compatible with your location!

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Protecting a Tree From Frost

With freezing temperatures fast approaching us, many of us are worried about our trees and how to prepare them for the cold nights ahead. 

Like you, I was also wondering, “How do I protect my tree from frost?” 

I have a few different fruit trees I am worried about, but this guide will help you prepare your tree for the cold ahead. 

Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliated, which means I may earn a small commission on it. That is no reflection on the product as I only recommend items I too enjoy! 

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Do I need to cover a fruit tree for frost?

This may depend on your species, but typically most landscape and fruit trees will need to be covered. This is especially true for trees such as citrus. 

Many varieties of trees we use in our yards and gardens just aren’t very adapted to the cold. This means we need to help prepare them for colder nights. 

Here in Pensacola, Florida, I grow various fruit trees like citrus. Citrus just is not cold tolerant, which means when it gets cold, I have to either cover the tree or risk it freezing. 

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What temperature should I cover a tree?

Personally, I cover trees when the temperature even threatens to drop below freezing. 

The tree species is also a major factor in if you should cover it. A tropical tree will need to be covered at higher temperatures, but a more frost-hardy tree will do well without much help. 

Newly planted trees will also need added protection as they are not as hardy as established trees. The first two to three years after planting, I usually baby my trees.

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What is the best material to cover a tree from frost?

Typically, I use a large tarp or blanket over my trees. Lately, I have been using the Meekear Freeze Protection Plant Cover, and I find they work great!

You do not need a fancy frost cover, though, I will say though, these seem to fit better. They also work if you have to leave it on longer. They do not look as tacky as blankets and sheets covering all your trees!

You do not need to cover your tree to the ground. It will keep it warmer, but the main goal is to protect the leaves and branches. 

Now, that does not include trees that have been planted in more recent years. A good frost barrier like ANPHSIN 2 Pack Tree Protector Wraps works amazingly at protecting the tree bark from frost! 

Trees that are freshly planted are not as hardy as older trees and may need added protection!

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Does spraying trees with water protect them from frost?

This is an old-time way to protect a tree from frost. While it does work, it takes some precision. 

This works because the layer of ice helps sort of insulate the tree and prevents further dropping, but it does not prevent all damage. 

While opting for this low-cost way to protect your tree may seem like the way to go, it has its drawbacks. 

  • The tree can still be damaged by the cold.
  • Too much water may cause excessive ice
  • Newly formed buds will have damage. 

However, even with the new buds being damaged, the whole tree is protected from frost damage, which is the goal, right?

Well, yes and no. Your tree dying is not a great thing, but the newly formed buds dying just isn’t great either. This may be best for a much larger tree. But for those with smaller fruit trees, I just do not recommend this method. 

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Conclusion

When planning for colder nights, make sure to ensure your trees’ safety. This is especially true for newly planted trees! Whether you cover them or attempt to spray water, protecting trees is essential for all gardeners!

Happy Planting!

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