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Fruit Tree Advantage in Landscaping
Adding fruit trees to landscaping provides many benefits. From boosting soil health, promoting curb appeal, and increasing overall value of the home fruit trees are a smart investment. Fruit trees can be used for a variety of landscaping purposes including shade with tall mulberry or apple trees, providing boundary demarcation with a row of dwarf or semi-dwarf sized stone fruit trees, or adding semi-permanent vegetation with a container garden of little citrus.
The continental United States contains Hardiness Zones 3 to 11. Zone 3 can see wintertime temperatures dip to -40F, making survival difficult for the wrong fruit trees. Knowing what works best for your Hardiness Zone is essential. There are, however, a few trees which have shown promise at a wide range of Hardiness Zones with a few adjustments depending on your climate.
The lower Hardiness Zones from 3 – 6 are the zones which see temperatures fall below zero. These zones are good for trees such as apples, cherries, pears, plums, and apricots. Apple trees are desirable for a wide variety of zones and with the right soil can produce a decent bounty at almost any zone. Sandy, well-drained soil or loam is ideal with a neutral pH of 6.6-7.3. This is easily achieved in most areas with minimal preparation and upkeep.
The mid-range of Hardiness Zones ranging from 7 – 8 can support some citrus such as nectarines, as well as peaches, mulberries, apricots, cherries, pears, and plums. Stone fruits like apricots and peaches are both attractive and useful, being easy to shape and maintain.
Higher Hardiness Zones from 9 – 11 are suitable for growing pomegranates, bananas, figs, avocados, limes, and lemons. These climates are full sun and hardly ever see temperatures below freezing. Container gardens are ideal here as the soil is often hard and compacted. Container gardens allow for personalized soil for each plant and higher control over sun exposure and water content.