How to Buy the Right Fruit Tree for Your Garden and Climate

The idea of picking a ripe apple or juicy peach off of a tree in your own backyard may sound like an out-of-reach dream, but with the right care and proper research, you can turn this fantasy into a reality.

However, finding and buying the right fruit tree for your yard is like comparing apples and oranges—or cherries and figs. Each has its own maintenance, pollination, and pruning requirements, but most need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Before you buy a fruit tree of your own, it's important to weigh the following expert-approved tips and considerations.

Consider Your Climate

Fruit trees require a specific number of chill hours—a time where the temperature remains below a certain level—in order to produce fruit after its dormant period. The amount of chill hours and the temperatures your tree requires will vary by type and even the exact variety of fruit, with some apples needing more than 1,000 hours (and some citrus fewer than 100).

"Fruit trees have specific temperature needs," says Alexander Betz, la andscape designer at Plant by Number. "Check that your chosen variety thrives in your USDA hardiness zone and gets the required chill hours for fruit production."

Plan for Pollination

If you're planning to harvest fresh produce from your new fruit trees, it's important to know whether the type of tree you're buying can pollinate itself or if it requires another tree for cross-pollination.

"Some fruit trees, like apples and cherries, often require a second tree, while others, like peaches, are self-fertile," says Betz. If you want a tree that needs a pollination partner to bear fruit, then make sure your yard has enough space for both.

Survey Your Soil and Sunlight

Since most trees produce their fruit during the summer, it should come as no surprise that they require plenty of sunlight. So choose a full-sun spot where your tree can soak up 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day.

"Trees also need to have organically rich, well-drained soils," says Ginny Rosenkranz, master garden coordinator at the University of Maryland Extension. "A soil test from your state-approved testing labs can analyze your gardens soils, and recommend any additional nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, and any micronutrients your soil might lack."

Be Mindful of Maintenance

Each type of fruit tree has its own maintenance needs, says Betz. So if you're a low-effort gardener, choose one that can thrive without a lot of hands-on attention, like Kieffer pears, Columnar apples, or Stanley plums.

"Some fruit trees are fuss-free, while others need regular pruning, pest management, and seasonal care," says Betz. "Choose one that fits your lifestyle."

Find a Reliable Retailer

Buying a fruit tree online has some benefits, says Betz: "Online retailers often offer a wider selection of varieties and rootstocks than local stores."

But since you can't inspect the tree before it arrives at your home, make sure to research the seller's shipping procedures before you order.

"Shipping can be stressful on young trees, so be sure to buy from a trusted source with good packaging and a solid guarantee," says Betz. (He recommends Park Seed for its variety of trees and educational resources and Raintree Nursery for "unique and heirloom varieties suited for different climates.")

Bring Home a Healthy Specimen

Buying a fruit tree from a local farm or nursery—instead of from an online plant store—allows you to look for signs that indicate a successful future harvest.

"Pick a tree with strong, well-balanced branches and healthy, flexible roots," says Betz. "Avoid trees with wilted leaves, discolored bark, or signs of pests. If it’s potted, check that the roots aren’t circling inside the container, which can lead to poor growth." Not sure where to shop? Many extension services keep a list of recommended local nurseries.

Ask the Right Questions

Buying in-person also gives you the opportunity to ask the grower key questions:

• Whether the tree is self-pollinating
• How long it will take to mature and bear fruit
• The type of rootstock used during grafting
• The tree's anticipated size
• How to support disease and pest resistance

"Buying a tree on the wrong rootstock is a common mistake, says Betz: "Size and hardiness depend on this!"

Rosenkranz suggests asking for specifics on future care, including watering frequency, fertilization, staking, pruning, and planting depth.

But the most important question to ask before you buy a fruit tree, says Betz, is what kind of harvest you're hoping to pick. "Think about what you love to eat!" he says. "Whether it’s crisp apples, juicy peaches, or homegrown citrus, picking a variety you’ll enjoy makes all the effort worthwhile."