I'm reaching out for some advice on which fruit tree to plant in my backyard. The city is cutting down some trees that have been shading my yard, so now I've got plenty of sunlight and space for just ONE fruit tree. I already know the basics of planting and care, like removing fruit for the first couple of years to help it establish, watering, and so on.
What I'm really curious about is what type and variety of fruit tree you love in your yard! Is there one you regret planting? If you could go back, would you choose a different variety?
I live in the northeastern corner of Illinois, which is technically zone 6, but given the unpredictability of the weather, I prefer to consider myself in zone 5.
I'm torn between planting a peach or an apple tree since I love both, but I'm leaning towards apple. I've also thought about a pear, although I don't usually buy pears at the store, so that might not be worth it. A cherry tree is on the table too, but they seem a bit more work when it comes to harvesting.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
I've seen a lot of people on Reddit loving mulberry trees lately - they produce a ton of fruit! Just be aware they can get messy if they're near driveways, but they might be suitable for your backyard!
So when it comes to apples, just a heads up: they generally need a different variety nearby for pollination unless you go for a tree that has multiple varieties grafted on. Some columnar apple trees are really narrow too, if space is a concern. On the other hand, peaches and pie cherries are self-pollinating, which makes your life a bit easier! Watch out for birds though; they love cherries! I'd say go for what you really enjoy!
If you're considering not using any sprays, then I’d recommend focusing on blight-resistant pears. They tend to do well without much intervention, unlike other types. But if you're okay with spraying, you can explore a wider variety!
I planted a White Lady peach tree from Trees of Antiquity and it’s everything I hoped it would be! Just keep in mind that peach trees have a shorter lifespan and can be susceptible to peach curl, but they’re gorgeous!
Thanks for the input! I appreciate the advice on pears, and I'll definitely think about the spraying part.