Thinking about planting fruit trees in Texas? Choose carefully and you can enjoy a bountiful harvest for years to come.
Fruit trees are like the ultimate multi-taskers. They provide shade, add focal points in your landscape, and best of all, give you something delicious to eat. Forget about the towering pecan trees and the hassle of cracking nuts; fruit trees are much more manageable and rewarding.
But before you dive in, here are a few things to consider. First, make sure your chosen spot gets full sun and has enough space for a mature tree. Keep in mind that trees like figs can spread out up to 500 square feet when fully grown, so choose the location carefully.
Next, when it comes to selecting a specific type and variety of fruit trees, there are some things to keep in mind. Pick healthy plants from reputable dealers, preferably ones adapted to our area. Pineapples and coconuts may sound tempting, but trust us, they’re not the best choices for backyard fruit production in the DFW area.
The most common fruit varieties for our region include apples, apricots, figs, peaches, pears, and plums. Pay attention to the “chill requirement,” which refers to the number of hours of temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees we have annually. These chill hours are crucial for proper bud and leaf growth in the spring. In the DFW area, we usually get around 800 hours. So, avoid picking a variety that needs 1,200 chill hours right from the start.
Keep in mind other factors like late freezes, scorching summers, humidity levels, pollinators, and the risk of disease and insects. It might sound like a lot to consider, but trust me, when you pluck those juicy fruits from your backyard, all the effort will be worth it.
With thousands of pages dedicated to choosing the perfect fruit tree, it can be overwhelming. But fear not! We have a handy recommendation for you. Get in touch with the folks at theCollin County Agricultural Extension office. They’ll provide expert guidance and ensure your fruit-growing journey is fruitful (pun intended).
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to enjoy fresh, home-grown fruit by planting your own fruit trees. Your taste buds will thank you!
