The 5 Best Fruit Trees to Plant in Early Spring

Ripe red cherries hanging on cherry tree branch — Credit:
Getty Images

There’s something so rewarding about picking fresh fruit from your own fruit tree. If you’re interested in cultivating fruit trees in your garden, there are several varieties that can be planted in early spring, allowing you to get a head start on the growing season. Many cold-climate fruit trees are available in the spring as bare-root plants. A bare-root fruit tree is a young, deciduous tree sold without soil around its roots when it is dormant. These trees are cost-effective, lightweight, and often establish quickly in native soil.

Certain fruit trees thrive when planted in early spring, as this helps their root systems establish before summer heat, produces stronger growth, and makes them more resilient to winter conditions. Early spring planting also takes advantage of frequent rainfall, which reduces the need for watering. Here, fruit tree experts share resilient varieties that flourish when planted in the spring, along with useful care tips to help your newly planted fruit tree thrive in its environment.

David Fried, co-owner of Elmore Roots, a fruit tree nursery in Vermont
Maureen Goronson, owner of Goronson Farm in Scarborough, Maine

01 of 05

Pear

Pears trees (Pyrus) are an excellent choice for early spring planting, says David Fried, co-owner of Elmore Roots. "Planting pears in early spring will help them to establish their root systems before the heat of summer when they will need to stay hydrated," says Fried. Hardy varieties like Bartlett, Kieffer, Orient, and Seckel are good choices for planting when the soil can be worked and isn’t frozen. Select a spot that gets six to eight hours of full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid areas where cold air settles, also known as "frost pockets," as pear blossoms are sensitive to late spring frosts.

02 of 05

Plum

Plum trees (Prunus domestica) flourish when planted in early spring when they are still dormant. This timing helps to minimize transplant shock and allows the roots to establish themselves before the summer heat sets in. Fried highlights that these trees thrive in the northern Vermont climate with minimal care. They are early bloomers, often producing flowers before their leaves emerge.

To ensure good pollination, it's essential to plant at least two different varieties. Choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining, loamy soil. Fried specifically recommends the Superior plum cultivar as an outstanding option for spring planting. These plums are large, juicy, and sweet, with a striking yellow flesh.

03 of 05

Apple

Apple trees (Malus domestica) are a wonderful addition to any garden, whether enjoyed fresh or in pies. In colder regions (USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7), early spring is ideal for planting, as it aligns with the apple tree's growth cycle. “Apples are cold-hardy and thrive with spring planting,” says Maureen Goronson, owner of Goronson Farm. Hardy varieties include Honeycrisp, Haralson, Liberty, Freedom, and Akane.

For smaller yards, consider dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties, such as the disease-resistant Baldwin apple. When planting, select a spot that receives six to eight hours of daily sunlight, and ensure the soil is well-draining with good air circulation. If you plan to grow organically, Goronson recommends avoiding certain varieties. For example, MacIntosh is extremely difficult to grow organically or with low spray because it is prone to numerous diseases.

Peach

Peach trees (Prunus persica) add aesthetic appeal to gardens and produce juicy, sweet fruit two to four years after planting, depending on the variety. Early spring is an ideal time to plant this tree, as it is cold-hardy and self-fertile. Goronson notes that peach trees fruit reliably and quickly when planted in the right conditions. Plant a bare-root peach tree after the ground thaws and is workable. Choose a sunny spot with six to eight hours of full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid planting this tree in late spring or summer, as the heat can stress or even kill new trees. Water the tree weekly during its first growing season, and consider applying 2 to 3 inches of mulch to help retain moisture.

05 of 05

Cherry

Cherry trees (Prunus avium) are renowned for their stunning, fragrant blossoms, which can be white or pink in color during spring, lush green leaves, and sweet or tart fruit. If you love cherries, early spring is the ideal time to plant a cherry tree. This timing aligns with the tree's natural growth cycle, as cherry trees start to leaf out early. Planting after the ground has thawed and the risk of frost has passed allows the tree to establish before summer.

For early spring planting, choose hardy varieties such as Black Tartarian and Stella for a sweet flavor profile, and Evans and North Star for a tart flavor profile. Plant the tree as soon as the soil is workable in a location with full, direct sun and well-draining soil, preferably on a slope to ensure proper drainage.