A well-chosen fruit tree turns a backyard into a small orchard, rewarding a few years of patience with a spring flush of blossoms followed by a season of homegrown fruit.
Apples, pears, peaches, plums, and citrus are among the most popular home fruit trees, and modern dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks have made it possible to grow a productive tree in even a modest-sized backyard.
Most fruit trees want full sun and well-draining soil, and many varieties (especially apples and pears) need a second, compatible variety nearby for pollination and fruit set. Annual dormant-season pruning keeps trees open to light and air, which improves both fruit quality and disease resistance.
Checking your USDA hardiness zone and a variety's "chill hours" requirement before buying is the single most important step for a productive fruit tree — many varieties simply won't fruit reliably outside their intended climate.
