Landscaping Ideas, Fruit Trees

Fruit Trees for New England

Fruit trees are a fun and beautiful addition to any yard. They will thrive in cold climates if cared for properly. The further north you go, the more care you will need to lavish on your trees, but the resulting fruit is tastier than anything you will find in a store.

Some fruit trees are better suited to New England. Apples, pears, cherries and peaches can do well with the proper conditions and care. Dwarf varieties are better suited to the home gardener, since normal sized fruit trees can take up a considerable amount of room. Plant your trees in the spring, once the ground has thawed, and expect to wait a year or two before you start to see fruit.

When choosing trees for the New England climate you want to select your trees carefully. Macintosh and Canada Red are among the best varieties of apples. All are hardy apples that do well even in colder climates. Small home plantings of heirloom varieties may do better then using commercial varieties.

When in New England you will find Bartlett and Bosc pears makes for good choices. Seckel pears are smaller than other varieties but produce a fruit that is almost spicy in flavor and does well in the cooler northern climates. There are numerous heirloom varieties that you can only purchase locally and that will grow better in your area, so check around.

Peach trees are less resistant to the cold. Since buds set in the fall and then have to make it through the winter to produce fruit in the spring, make sure to pick the hardiest varieties. Fingerlakes and Reliance are hardy even in the cold New England climate and produce good amounts of fruit. Just remember to cull them early so the branches don’t get over set. And stop by your local landscaping supply store to chat with their experts about chioces.

Self Pollinating fruit trees or trees that pollinate each others are important considerations. In some areas the trees bloom before the bees are out and you can help your trees along by using a paint brush to pollinate the flowers, go from flower to flower and transfer the pollen yourself.

Once the fruit sets you will need to cull. Some varieties need to be reduced as much as 90%. If you have questions about how much to cull, give your county extension agent a call. Removing young fruit from the tree will help produce a better crop latter in the season. Just remind yourself that you would rather have some well developed fruit than a lot of small, poorly developed fruit.

Unfortunately most fruit trees are subject to pests and diseases. You will need to apply sprays regularly and consider netting after the fruit has set or you will lose all your fruit to birds. Sprays can be acquired at you local landscape supply store or home improvement store. Spraying schedules vary from place to place, so it is best to consult with your gardening store or county extension office for specifics. Products are available for the organic gardener as well as the conventional gardener, but all of them have some dangers, make sure you take precautions when you spray.

Fruit trees are beautiful as well as functional. Spring brings loads of delicate blossoms in shades of pink and white. Through the summer the trees are full of foliage and fruit, and in the fall there are few things as majestic as a well grown apple tree. Well worth the effort, fruit trees are a wonderful addition to any yard.