7 Longest-Living Fruit Trees That Keep Producing for Generations

An apple tree in an orchard with ripe apples on its branches and some on the ground — Credit:
Harald007 / Getty Images

Fruit trees can be one of the most rewarding additions to your garden. A well-cared-for, mature apple tree can yield between 400 and 800 apples annually, making it a worthwhile investment. Even more exciting, some varieties of fruit trees have lifespans that can extend over several decades or even centuries, meaning you'll have enough fruit to last a lifetime. Below, expert fruit tree growers highlight varieties that will thrive in your garden for years and years once they get established.

Mike Biltonen, founder of Know Your Roots LLC
David Fried, co-owner of Elmore Roots, a fruit tree nursery in Vermont

01 of 07

Pear

Most pear (Pyrus spp.) varieties are self-fertile and easy to cultivate. The upright and vigorous tree displays white or pink clustered flowers in the spring, accompanied by shiny, dark green, leathery leaves that turn reddish-purple or orange-red in the fall. "Plant pears for your heirs," says Mike Biltonen, founder of Know Your Roots LLC. He adds that pear trees can live for several centuries, with the oldest cultivated pear tree in North America, the Endicott pear, nearly 400 years old.

Fireblight is the number one downfall for pears, says Biltonen. "There are several fireblight-resistant varieties that exist, like Harrowsweet, Potomac, Shenandoah, and Harrowcrisp," he says.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 30 to 50 feet tall x 20 to 30 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Lifespan: Several decades to several centuries

02 of 07

Apple

Apple trees (Malus spp.) have simple, oval-shaped leaves and produce striking white flowers in the spring. Apple trees can live up to 100 years old, but typically perform best in their youth. According to Biltonen, apple trees can be either self-fertile or self-infertile, depending on the particular variety. He suggests choosing diploid varieties to enhance fruit production, even without compatible neighbors. Some recommended varieties include Arkansas Black, Liberty, Bonkers, Ashmead's Kernel, and Cordera.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 10 to 30 feet tall x 8 to 30 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Lifespan: Several decades to a century

03 of 07

Persimmon

The persimmon tree (Diospyrus virginiana) is characterized by its distinctive bark, often called "alligator" bark. Its leaves are oval-shaped and typically turn yellow in the fall. The average lifespan for persimmon trees is 50 to 75 years, but they can survive much longer with proper care. While many persimmon varieties are self-fertile, they can still benefit from having another persimmon tree nearby, as this can result in larger, more consistent fruit yields.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 15 to 60 feet tall x 25 to 30 feet wide, depending on variety
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Lifespan: Several decades to a century

04 of 07

Mulberry

This deciduous tree can live for up to 100 years with proper care. David Fried, co-owner of Elmore Roots, describes mulberry trees (Morus alba) as similar to blackberries but without the seeds. This long-living tree showcases a distinctive floral display, featuring small, greenish-yellow flowers arranged in drooping clusters called catkins. Mulberry trees are fairly easy to grow and can grow in various soil types.

Zones: 3 to 6
Size: 10 to 50 feet tall x 10 to 40 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Lifespan 25 to 100 years

05 of 07

Sweet Cherry

close-up of ripe red cherries on cherry tree — Getty Images

This upright tree is known for its sweet, edible fruit and beautiful spring blooms. With proper care, sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium) can grow at a moderate pace and live for 60 to 80 years, according to Biltonen. The tree is also prized for its red-brown wood and dark red to purple fruit. While many varieties are self-fertile, Biltonen notes that cross-pollination with a nearby tree enhances fruit set and improves fruit quality.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 30 to 70 feet tall x 30 to 40 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Lifespan: 60 to 80 years

06 of 07

Apricot

Apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) are deciduous and feature fragrant white to pink flowers that bloom before the leaves appear in spring. Their fruits resemble small peaches, having smooth or slightly fuzzy skin and a large pit. Like sweet cherry trees, apricot trees can live for 60 to 80 years. When planting, Biltonen notes that varieties developed for West Coast environments will not grow well in the East Coast climate.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 15 to 30 feet tall x 15 to 20 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Lifespan: 60 to 80 years

07 of 07

Fig

The fig tree (Ficus Carica) is a deciduous tree known for its sweet, pear-shaped fruit and can live for over 100 years with proper care. It features smooth gray bark, palmate leaves, and a rounded, low-spreading canopy. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and thrives in various soil types, making it a delightful addition to any garden.

Zones: 7 to 10
Size: 20 to 25 feet tall x 15 to 20 feet wide (Dwarf varieties: 6 to 10 feet tall x 3 to 5 feet wide)
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Lifespan: Several decades to over a century