How To Choose Your Fruit Tree

Need some help making up your mind?

Which fruit? Grow what you like to eat! Our fruit trees are hardy and fit to grow in the greater Seattle area.

Size Fruit trees need space to thrive. Allow enough room for sun, wind, and root growth. We sell trees on dwarf (8-10’ tall) and semi-dwarf (12-15’ tall) rootstock.

Pollination Most fruit trees need pollen from a different variety of the same species to make fruit, known as     “cross-pollination.” All apples and pears need pollinizers. Some cherries and plums are “self-fertile” but will produce more fruit with a pollinizer near-by (within 100’).     Peaches, figs and quinces are self-fertile.                                                      

Try a 4-way or Espalier fruit tree if space is limited. 

Choosing pollinating varieties Select trees from the same or adjacent Flowering Groups listed on our signs.

Sun 6-8 hours of full sun is best for fruit production, preferably afternoon sun.

Planting Plant your tree directly into your native soil. Mulch at least 3” deep around root zone  with shredded bark, compost, or a combination. Water deeply but infrequently to develop strong deep roots.

Resources For pruning, harvesting, or pest control information, check online: City Fruit, WSU Extension, Seattle Tree Fruit Society, Western Cascade Fruit Society, or Raintree Nursery.

Ask our staff for more help and information!