Selecting fruit trees to grow in your yard or orchard depends on several factors: available space, height and width restrictions, soil type, exposure to good light and air circulation, preferred type of fruit, type of root-stock, and much more.
The first step is to plan.
· The following factors should be considered as you plan:
- Climate zone,
- Soil type and pH,
- Location and surrounding landscaping,
- Drainage,
- Overhead restrictions (power lines, other trees, shading),
- Width restrictions (fences, buildings, property lines),
- Underground restrictions (sewer/power/telephone lines, septic tanks or drain fields, layers of poor soil, wells),
- Irrigation and fertilizing,
- Time needed for tree care,
- Pruning,
- Harvesting,
- Spraying.
Selection of the trees is one of the most important steps.
There are several great resources to help you select a tree for your yard.
The Pacific Northwest Handbooks publication EC 819, Growing Tree Fruits and Nuts in the Home Orchard
The Treasure Valley is Area II in this publication.
The Pacific Northwest Handbooks publication EC 819, Growing Tree Fruits and Nuts in the Home Orchard
The Treasure Valley is Area II in this publication.
Other factors to consider are:
- Choose a reliable nursery with appropriate stock selected for this area,
- Choice of fruit,
- Varieties of chosen fruit that grow best in this region,
- Dwarf or semi-dwarf root stock,
- Bare root, ball and burlap (B&B), or containerized stock,
- Need of a pollinator or self-pollinator,
- Blooming and harvest times,
- Pests – insects, birds, or disease resistant.
To maintain a strong tree or orchard, time must be given towards tree health. There are numerous publications from Extension Services through the University of Idaho, Washington State University, and Oregon State University to assist you with your specific trees.
The following are important items to consider toward maintaining a vigorous home fruit tree:
- Training of tree branches,
- Thinning and pruning,
- Irrigation needs,
- Fertilization needs,
- Insect and disease control,
- Weed
- Rodent control.
This helpful publication below is specific to the Treasure Valley. It can be obtained free of charge from the University of Idaho Extension Services offices in Canyon County (208) 459-6003.
In summary, a backyard fruit tree or orchard is a wonderful addition to your landscaping. Be sure to choose trees that are compatible to your region, soil, and property. With the proper selection, you can enjoy fruit from your backyard trees for many years to come.