6 Drought-Tolerant Bare-Root Fruit Trees for Big Harvests

Apples growing on tree branches with green leaves — Credit:
ElineSpruit / Getty Images

Whether you're in the Montana desert or the Texas plains, there are plenty of fruit trees that can thrive in a dry climate. These drought-tolerant varieties are often easy to grow; purchasing them as bare-root trees is a great starting point.

Bare-root trees don't come packed in soil or containers; they're dug up from the nursery and packaged with just sawdust or paper mulch to retain moisture. They're usually younger and more affordable than container trees. However, that doesn't mean they're lower quality, says Ben Heusinkvelt, ground and orchard manager at Arbor Day Farm. "They often establish themselves faster than some container trees because they sense the immediate need to sink their roots deep.”

Here, our experts recommend the best bare-root trees that are also drought-tolerant. These varieties will thrive even in a dry climate, so long as you give them the proper care.

01 of 06

Fig

A lot of fruit trees struggle throughout hot summers, drought conditions, and water restrictions, but figs (Ficus carica) will continue to grow and thrive. “They are some of the most heat-tolerant fruit trees you can grow,” says Lisa Tadewaldt, ISA-certified arborist and co-founder of Urban Forest Pr o.

For beginner gardeners, Tadewaldt often recommends the Brown Turkey fig tree. “It's one of the most forgiving varieties available,” she says, “and can tolerate a wide range of climates and soil conditions, while producing generous crops of sweet fruit. Under good conditions, it can even produce two harvests in a single season.”

Fig trees are very drought-tolerant once they are established. “Their extensive root systems allow them to access moisture deep in the soil, helping them to continue growing during hot, dry periods when other fruit trees may struggle,” Tadewaldt says. “While they perform best with occasional deep watering during prolonged drought periods, mature figs generally require far less supplemental irrigation than many common fruit crops."

Zones: 7 through 10
Size: 10 to 25 feet tall; 12 to 25 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to partial sunlight in all soil types; deep and thorough watering until established

02 of 06

American and Texas Persimmon

American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) produces sweet, flavorful fruits in the fall, while Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana) provides smaller edible fruits and outstanding ornamental value. “Both are excellent choices for gardeners seeking climate-resilient food crops that also support wildlife,” says Elizabeth Waddington, garden designer and writer at First Tunnels.

She frequently recommends American or Texas persimmon because these native trees are productive, attractive, and exceptionally resilient. In terms of drought tolerance, both species perform very well once established, with Texas persimmon being particularly adapted to hot, dry conditions and extended periods without rainfall.

Zones: 4 through 9
Size: 30 to 80 feet tall; 20 to 35 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun and well-drained, loamy soil; water deeply and regularly until establishment

03 of 06

Pomegranate

Pomegranates (Punica granatum) aren’t new to extreme conditions, and these trees can thrive in a wide range of soils and conditions—even full to partial sun. “They're a favorite of juice enthusiasts, and the fresh fruit makes a great snack,” Heusinkvelt says. “Once established, you can almost forget about watering them, as they're extremely hardy.”

Zones: 7 through 10
Size: 5 to 7 feet tall and wide
Care requirements: Full to partial sun in well-drained soil; deep water until establishment

04 of 06

Western Hackberry

Western hackberry (Celtis reticulata) is a shrub or tree that Waddington has also recommended for gardeners in arid or semi-arid areas. “It's exceptionally tough, adaptable, and capable of producing small edible berries, while also supporting local wildlife,” she says. “It's one of the most drought-tolerant native fruit-bearing trees in North America.”

Once established, it typically requires very little supplemental irrigation.

Zones: 2 through 5
Size: 40 to 60 feet tall and wide
Care requirements: Full sun and well-drained soil; water deeply until establishment

05 of 06

Yellow Transparent Apple

Apple trees typically thrive in cooler climates, but there are some drought-tolerant varieties.

Yellow Transparent (Malus domestica 'Yellow Transparent'), for example, is an old favorite that is drought-resistant and that can ripen up in the heat with no issues. “Other golden varieties like Ginger Gold and Summer Banana are good choices,” Heusinkvelt says. “My favorite apples are Roxbury russet or Winesap—two apples that, when established, can grow with infrequent waterings.”

Zones: 3 through 8
Size: 12 to 15 feet tall and wide
Care requirements: Full sun and well-drained soil; regular watering until establishment

06 of 06

Chickasaw Plum

Chickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia) has beautiful spring flowers, edible fruits, and excellent adaptability to a range of garden settings. “The fruits can be eaten fresh or made into jams and preserves, while the blossoms provide early-season interest and pollinator value,” Waddington says. “This species is highly drought-tolerant once established, and is particularly well-suited to sandy or relatively dry sites.”

Zones: 5 through 8
Size: 4 to 15 feet tall; 4 to 20 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun and well-drained soil; regular and deep watering until established

Establishing Drought-Tolerant Trees

Fruit trees take about three years to reach establishment. “I don’t know if any tree is necessarily drought-tolerant until established, which is after year three,” says Josh Fuder, county extension coordinator with the University of Georgia. “After that, drought tolerance is also somewhat dependent on soil types and mulch.”

Even trees that are considered highly drought-resistant may struggle if they are planted in a poor location or not given the right start. “I always encourage gardeners to think about water retention before planting,” Waddington says. “Choosing a site with healthy, moisture-retentive soil that's rich in organic matter can make a significant difference."

Planting technique matters, too. Bare-root trees should be planted carefully so their roots can spread naturally into the surrounding soil. “A wide planting hole is often more beneficial than an overly deep one, encouraging roots to establish beyond the original planting area,” Waddington says. “It's also important to avoid creating conditions where roots remain confined to a small pocket of amended soil, since this can limit the tree's ability to seek out water deeper and further afield.”

Perhaps most importantly, watering practices during the first year should encourage deeper rooting. “Less frequent but more thorough watering generally promotes roots that grow down into the soil profile, making trees much more resilient during future dry periods,” she says.