Creating a space to grow your own fruit becomes increasingly popular as people realize the numerous benefits. When you raise your own fruits, you know exactly how they have been grown and can control the chemicals used on them.

In addition to the obvious benefit of fewer chemicals than commercially grown fruit, home-grown fruit usually is more flavorful and tastes better. Most fruit trees are also visually pleasing and add a delicious smell to your outdoor space.

Planting fruit trees could even increase your home’s value. When choosing the type of fruit trees, you must think about many factors, not just what types of fruit you enjoy. Some fruits trees you could plant in your backyard for your next landscaping project include:

Plum Tree

For a small tree, the plum tree tends to bear lots of fruit. Planting one in your lawn will not take up as much room as most other fruit trees, but you will still be able to enjoy its delicious produce.

Generally, plum trees begin to produce fruit four to six years after being planted. They require pruning, and the right climate to bear fruit. Most varieties are self-fertile, meaning they do not need another plant with which to cross-pollinate. However, you should research the specific variety you plan to purchase.

Also, you might consider consulting with a professional gardener or landscaper. These compact producers survive best when planted during the winter. This time frame allows them to become firmly established in the ground before growing buds in the spring.

Cherry Tree

While having a cherry tree might seem unusual at first, the fruit can be used for a variety of recipes or eaten straight from the tree! They also produce beautiful blossoms each spring, as evidenced by the numerous paintings and pictures of them! These beautiful, unique trees will soon become conversation starters. They also blend in well with landscaping.

As with plum trees, make sure you purchase self-fertile ones. One concern with cherry trees is flying birds and insects. These creatures naturally love cherries! Research natural methods to keep insects away. You may also want to consider screens during certain seasons.

Over 97% of sweet cherries grow in California, Washington, and Oregon because the cherries do flourish in this climate. Cherry trees usually start producing within four to seven years of being transplanted. However, some varieties produce sooner.

Peach Tree

Most people think of the deliciousness of the fruit when they think of peach trees. However, there is more to them than the taste!

The colors of peaches contrasted with the green of the tree make a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. The yellows, oranges, and reds pop and almost look like flowers. After your neighbors get over the beauty of your fruit tree, they will want to sample your fruit.

Most peach trees are self-fertile. These types grow well in California. Peach trees do require some maintenance such as adequate watering during the summer and fruit thinning. They produce fruit relatively fast and can take as little as 3-5 months to bear fruit if planted from a graft. You should harvest your delicious peaches in mid to late summer.

Apple Tree

Most people automatically think of apples when you mention fruit trees. These trees often present a challenge for gardeners and can be exciting to grow. Nothing makes fruit taste better than knowing the effort put into a harvest!

A seedling tree will produce fruit in about six to ten years. You can reduce this time by carefully choosing the breed of the apple tree you plant. Most apple trees require another tree for cross-pollination.

Consult your local nursery or gardening expert to learn more about which varieties require cross-pollination and purchase accordingly. Imagine a pair of them lining your driveway!

You should also consider how the sun falls on your lawn. Lots of sun is essential for all apple trees. These fruit trees need good drainage too. You may consider adding or changing your landscape to improve your drainage. Like the cherry tree, apple trees produce beautiful spring blossoms that will later turn into apples.

Design and Maintenance

The key to a beautiful garden that produces quality fruit for you to enjoy is design and maintenance. First, you must be willing to put time and effort into your landscape. Finding the right variety of tree for your area takes research.

Most people will have better luck and enjoy their garden more if they consult a professional during the design phase. When speaking to a professional, or doing research on your own, you must choose the locations for your trees based on the  needs of each plant. Aesthetics should always be thought of after the needs of the plants, not before. If you know you want a tree in a specific place in your outdoor space, find a plant that will flourish in the space. Avoid making the mistake of thinking any plant will work there.

Also, consider the accessibility of your plants. When it needs to be pruned or staked, will you be able to easily get around it? Each type of fruit tree has different needs. Some need to be staked to grow tall and strong. Others need lots of space to grow and spread their limbs. Others are climbers and need a trellis or other wall structure on which to grow.

After you have decided on the design of your outdoor space, you can get to work! In order to do so, you will need some commonly used tools. For example rakes, shovels, a wheelbarrow, and gloves make work easier, faster, and less frustrating. Use these tools to prepare the soil and plant your trees. Pay attention to the directions given with each tree and follow them precisely.