Plant Now – Enjoy Later: Why Spring is the Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees in Your Yard

Do you love fresh fruit? What’s better than walking to your backyard, picking a basket of perfectly ripe cherries or apples, and whipping up a good pie? You must plan ahead to enjoy the (literal!) fruit of your labor. That starts with picking the best time to plant fruit saplings. Most people will want to “spring” into action right after the last frost hits their areas. Here’s why spring is the best time to plant fruit trees.

Plant Now, Enjoy Later: Why Spring Is the Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees in Your Yard

What Makes Spring the Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees?

Spring is the season for growth. The chirping birds, sunny weather, and green leaves are just the start. Your green thumb is starting to itch, too!

Why, though? Plants’ growth cycles are perfectly in tune with the natural world. Although more extended daylight means better photosynthesis, that’s only part of the story. And there’s more to it.

Fruit saplings prefer a soil temperature of at least 50°F (10°C). This lets the microorganisms and insects in the soil make the nutrients that’ll help your saplings thrive.

In addition, weeds that can get in the way of a tiny fruit tree’s battle toward maturity aren’t in full swing yet. This gives those saplings the best chance to grow strong and tall. Take that first step by planting a new fruit tree, and don’t wait until next year!

Factors That Affect Tree Fruit Production

It may take three, four, or even five years for fruit trees to grow to mature size and reward you with fruit. The time it takes in order to produce fruit depends on the size, type of tree, and how well it is cared for. When selecting fruit tree cultivars, consider climate, the tree’s mature size, and disease resistance.

• Tree size: Dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties usually produce fruit sooner than full-sized trees.
• Type of Tree: Some trees naturally take longer to produce fruit. For example, apple and sweet cherry trees can take two to five years, while citrus and figs can take one to two years.
• Caring for Fruit Trees: Water, mulch, plant in a good location, and prune fruit trees to promote healthy growth. Gardeners may experience some disease issues, so it is important to provide proper care.

Doesn’t the Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees Depend on Your Hardiness Zone?

Yes, spring isn’t your only option — although it’s almost always the best choice, with a few exceptions.

• • USDA hardiness zones 3 and 4 are best suited for spring planting after the last frost. Pick pear, apple, or cherry trees.
  • Zones 5 and 6 also offer an excellent opportunity for early spring planting right after the last frost. Peach, plum, and apricot saplings are a fantastic choice for these climates. You can, however, also plant fruit saplings in the fall, four to six weeks before the first frost.
  • Zones 7 and 8 are great for citrus trees and have conditions that make fall planting a good choice. Planting your fruit trees in fall lets your growing saplings take root before winter. You can still plant in spring, too.
  • Zones 9 and 10: Citrus and mango trees don’t require you to wait until after the last frost because there isn’t one. Focus on helping your fruit trees establish themselves before the real heat hits. Which makes early spring great timing.
  • Zone 11 gives you the most flexibility. Spring is still the best time to plant fruit trees for all the reasons we covered earlier.

Ready to Get to Work?

Choose healthy, strong fruit saplings from a reputable local nursery — and make sure they have firm root balls and as many leaves as possible. Fruit trees do not like being moved. Younger saplings will give you the best chance for a healthy tree. This tree will produce a lot of fruit later on.

Pour your love and protection into growing those little trees by;

• Mulching
• Watering
• Protecting them from animals with a tree guard

They’ll start giving you juicy rewards in just a few years!

Arbor Hills Tree Farm & Nursery Omaha

We provide the Highest Quality Field Grown Nebraska Trees and Shrubs – directly to our customers, at the lowest possible price.

Whether you are looking for trees for:

• new home landscaping
• wind blockage
• commercial or residential

Simply select the tree(s) you want, and they will be ready for pickup or delivery the following Saturday Morning. The trees are easy to handle and plant. Click here for more information.