Backyard fruit trees are a delightful addition to any yard or garden. Fruit trees give you and your family healthy and delicious fruit straight from your yard. Fruit trees also give you the sense of accomplishment that comes from being able to grow your own food and allows you to feel more connected with nature. However, if you have never planted fruit trees you may be wondering what kind of fruit-bearing trees grow in New Jersey. The experts at Blessing Tree Service have knowledge of which fruit trees grow well in New Jersey so you and your family can receive the gift of fresh home-grown produce.
Fruit Trees That Grow Well in NJ
- Apple Trees: There are numerous varieties of apples that thrive in the New Jersey climate including Red, Golden Delicious, Gala, and Honeycrisp. Apple trees are one of the easiest fruit trees to cultivate. The trees grow in pretty much any type of soil and need little to no fertilizer or additional watering beyond rain. Pruning apple trees is also not strictly necessary but it can help them bear more fruit and helps to prevent disease. Apples are also a cold-tolerant fruit that can grow even when there is frost late into the spring. Apples on the other hand are vulnerable to insects, blight, and mold. Apples may also attract deer and squirrels which is fun if you enjoy watching wildlife and possibly frustrating if you do not like sharing with your fuzzy neighbors. The best time to pick your New Jersey-based apples is September 1 thru October 25.
- Pear Trees: Anjou, Bartlett, and Bosc are great pear varieties to grow for New Jersey’s climate but pear trees in general are hardy and resistant to both cold and warm weather. Pear trees thrive in areas with good drainage and struggle in conditions that are too wet. These trees are also vulnerable to blight and attacks by insects, particularly aphids. Pear trees typically are less likely to be able to bounce back after an insect infestation than apple trees.
- Peach Trees: Peach trees are a bit more challenging to grow than apple or pear trees but they grow quickly and will start producing fruit within 1 to 2 years after planting. Peach trees thrive in warm weather and do not tolerate extreme cold very well. It is important to plant a variety that can survive New Jersey winters. Many peach varieties will die if the temperature drops consistently below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Peaches also require well-drained soil to avoid damage to their root systems and they need to be placed in areas of your yard that get full sunlight. Peaches are also unfortunately prone to blight and mold throughout much of the year. The New Jersey growing fruit tree season for peaches is from late June through September during the warm summer.
- Nectarine Trees: Nectarines are a fruit that tastes similar to peaches but without the fuzz. The tree self pollinates so you can plant just one and still expect it to go to fruit. Nectarines are susceptible to bacteria rot so it is important to monitor them for signs of illness. Nectarine trees are also a particularly thirsty plant so it is important to water them regularly. Nectarines are also a species that needs to be pruned at the end of early spring rather than during winter like most trees this allows for the development of strong limbs. Pruning during the early spring also makes it easier to access the actual fruit. Like peaches, nectarines grow very fast and start to fruit within 2 years. Nectarines also share a love of warm weather and a weakness for cold weather with peaches so you will need to wrap your tree in burlap if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cultivating Fruit Trees
Growing fruit trees are essential and fascinating components of our ecosystem, bearing edible delights and offering environmental benefits. From the juicy apples and pears to the summer fruits, the diversity is immense. Fruit trees not only satisfy our taste buds but also support biodiversity by providing food and shelter to birds, insects, and other wildlife. Cultivating fruit trees sustains agricultural economies and promotes healthier lifestyles, making them invaluable gifts from nature. No matter what kind of trees you choose to plant on your property, be sure to contact Blessing Tree Service for all of your tree care needs!
