Which North American Fruit Trees Should You Plant?
Fresh fruit and summertime go hand in hand. Whether you enjoy homemade cobblers, ice cream, or cheesecake, fresh fruit makes everything better. Many New Jersey homeowners are looking to their backyards to plant fruit trees, creating their own mini orchard. Planting fruit trees in your backyard allows you to better the environment, have fresh fruit at your fingertips, lower your produce costs, and add color to your backyard, all at once. Before deciding to plant any, do the research and determine which North American fruit trees will thrive in our New Jersey climate.
What is a Hardiness Zone?
The United States Department of Agriculture has divided the U.S. into different zones to help farmers and gardeners determine which plants and trees perform best in local areas. Since New Jersey is part of the northeastern states, you’ll want to plant trees that perform well in zone six and seven. These trees can handle cooler temperatures as well as hot summer days, commonly experienced by New Jersey.
Four North American Fruit Trees for New Jersey
- Pear trees
The types of pears that will grow well in New Jersey include Bartlett, Anjou, Kieffer, and Oriental. It is suggested to plant in pairs. These North American fruit trees should be planted 20 feet or more apart to allow for proper breathing and cross-pollination. These trees are also known for contracting blight. Inspect the leaves weekly to avoid letting the disease take over.
- Apple trees
Apple trees are prevalent in the northeast because they can withstand extreme temperatures. Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, and Gala are just a few of the breeds that flourish in the New Jersey climate. Just like pear trees, these should be planted in pairs for pollination to occur. Many planters choose to plant different types of apples, so they have a good variety at harvest time.
- Peach trees
These North American fruit trees are a great option for anybody that doesn’t want to commit to tree care for life. They will produce fruit for approximately 15-20 years. Peach trees produce beautiful flowers through the spring, and then tasty peaches during the summer.
- Cherry trees
Cherries, especially sour pucker varieties, grow well in New Jersey. Unlike apples and pears, you only need to plant one cherry tree to produce fruit. Cherry trees are also smaller than other fruit trees and are an excellent option for small backyards. They can resist drought like environments making them low-maintenance and easy to care for.
How to Take Care of Trees
North American fruit trees need about eight hours of sunlight each day. Be careful when choosing an area to plant the tree, timing the amount of sunshine it will receive each day. Proper tree care is vital to the longevity of the trees. In addition, trees need adequate space to breathe. Look to space them at least 20 feet apart. Young trees need a daily watering schedule unless a good amount of rain occurs. Pay close attention to trees to avoid any unwanted pests or diseases.
If you are unable to give your trees the attention they need, it’s a good idea to contact a company that specializes in tree care services. Perennial Lawn Care can help! Contact us for more information today.
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