16 Amazing Fruit Trees You Can Grow Right in Your Backyard
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One of the greatest things about gardening is eating freshly harvested produce (preferably sun-warmed) from your yard and then sharing it with family, neighbors, and friends.
There are 37.8 million U.S. households growing some form of food, which means backyard fruit trees aren’t just a trend. They’re part of a movement that supports healthy, sustainable, tasty eating.
These trees are beautiful and shade-giving. They can also save you hundreds of dollars per year on your grocery bills. Interested in finding out what you can grow?
Apple Tree
Don’t you love a fresh, crunchy, juicy apple? Apple trees from ‘classic’ varieties like Fuji and Granny Smith to heirlooms grow well in most parts of the U.S. Each tree can produce up to 200 apples yearly, enough to keep even the busiest snacker well supplied.
You can even use the apples for baking and making homemade cider. Apples are one of the most widely grown fruits in the US, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and dwarf varieties make them an excellent choice for small backyards.
Peach Tree
There’s nothing like a backyard peach tree—a taste of summer! These trees do well in sunny states such as Georgia and California, but when cared for properly, they can live anywhere.
You may not know that a mature peach tree can yield 150 pounds of fruit annually. Enough for pies, jam, and smoothies in plenty. “Peach trees are surprisingly easy to grow, provided they get full sun and good drainage,” says Dr. Susan Orton, a horticulture expert.
Cherry Tree
In any backyard, either sweet or tart, cherries are a hit. Each year, a cherry tree can produce as much as 50 pounds of fruit. Best-tasting varieties include Bing and Montmorency.
They are also largely filled with antioxidants, making them healthy if you like growing and eating cherry fruits at home.
Fig Tree
It isn’t just a ‘fig-ment‘ of your imagination. Figs are now a Mediterranean delight of the American backyard. Not all varieties need warm climates; hardy varieties like Chicago Hardy can survive in colder climates.
They grow well in zones 10 and 11, and each tree can produce 20 to 60 pounds of fruit a year when grown in full sun and with room to spread, which they do. The fruit is excellent for snacking or drying and is also a nutritional powerhouse with high fiber and mineral content.
Lemon Tree
Add some citrus to your backyard! These Meyer lemons are fragrant, compact, and very prolific. With as much as 600 pounds of fruit a year from a mature lemon tree, it is understandable why the California Rare Fruit Growers Association kicked this fruit to the top of the list!
But lemons aren’t just culinary stars — they’re also star natural cleaning and skincare ingredients.
Orange Tree
Sweet oranges contain a tropical vibe to your backyard in temperate climates. Favorite varieties are Valencia and Navel, which grow easily and serve purposefully.
If treated properly, these trees should provide over 250 oranges per year. Fresh-squeezed juice, anyone?
Plum Tree
Rich-tasting and versatile, plums are a backyard favorite. Different European and Japanese plum varieties do well in different U.S. climates.
Depending on the variety, each mature tree produces 30 to 40 pounds of fruit — perfect for jams, sauces, and snacks.
Pomegranate Tree
Pomegranates are beautiful and have the nutritional backing to back them up. Hardy and drought-free, they produce jewel-like seeds rich in antioxidants.
Warm-climate plants will produce up to 200 fruits annually. They are great for your juicer or dressing-up salads and desserts.
Avocado Tree
Homegrown guacamole? Yes, please! Avocado trees grow best in warm climates such as Florida, California, or Texas but can be easily transplanted indoors anywhere in cooler weather.
Of course, a mature tree can produce hundreds of avocados annually (with the right TLC). Their healthy fats make them a staple for health-conscious gardeners.
Pear Tree
They are adaptable and low-maintenance like no other trees. Bartlett and Anjou are popular varieties that are good eaters at home and for canning.
Depending on size and care, each tree will produce 30 to 50 pounds of fruit annually.
Mango Tree
If you love tropical fruit, there is no way not to have mango trees. Dwarf varieties work best in containers in other regions, but for southern climates, they’re happy in the ground.
Each healthy tree can yield anywhere between 200 mangoes annually to turn into smoothies or salsas.
Persimmon Tree
Surprisingly easy to grow, persimmons have a unique, honey-like flavor. American persimmon varieties do better in different climates than Asian varieties.
Each tree can produce up to 75 pounds of fruit a year (good for fresh eating or baking)
Olive Tree
If you want Mediterranean flair, try growing olives! In mild U.S. climates, hardy varieties such as Arbequina can produce fruit.
Though olive trees are slow growers, a mature tree can produce more than 20 pounds of olives annually – making oil or curing at home is easy.
Banana Tree
Dwarf varieties of bananas seem exotic, but backyard gardeners in warm areas or indoors can now grow them. Even a lowly banana plant can produce 50 to 150 bananas a year. Not bad for a yard.
Mulberry Tree
But mulberries are very often overlooked. They are very easy to grow. Their sweet-tart berries are ready for snacking, baking, or juicing.
One mature tree can yield 600lb of fruit per annum. Plus, they’re a favorite for attracting birds.
Lime Tree
A lime is a great garnish for drinks, seafood, and many other delicacies. Compact, highly productive varieties are Key Lime and Bearss Lime, which will yield hundreds of limes per year.
Small yards or patios, these folks make for an ideal addition.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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