Guide to Planting Fruit Trees in Virginia

Are you interested in planting fruit trees in Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, Springfield or other surrounding areas?

Virginia weather and soil conditions, particularly in Northern Virginia, complement the growth of fruit trees very well. With a desirable selection to choose from, homeowners can begin growing fruit in their very own backyards!

Keep reading to learn about the best fruit trees to plant in Virginia and how to ensure they grow healthy and strong!

Live in Northern Virginia and interested in tree planting services? Call Absolute Tree Service, Inc. at (703) 969-6207 or click here to contact us online.

Choosing the Perfect Fruit Trees

When deciding to grow fruit trees, you want to select based on your planting zone to ensure optimal growth patterns. While this may require some additional research, it will increase the odds of a plentiful bounty.

Consider how much space is available for planting, allowing you to anticipate the number of trees that can grow comfortably.  Most standard size trees need 20-30 feet of distance between them.

Working with a smaller landscape? Fruit trees that optimally grow in Virginia’s planting zones are typically available in dwarf sizes, allowing you to plant more volume.

In fact, planting multiple trees is highly recommended for cross-pollination. Depending on the type of fruit being grown, you may need to plant a combination of both similar and varying species. Check with your local arborist when selecting trees to ensure effective pollination.

Most Popular Fruit Trees in Virginia

If you follow in the footsteps of others successfully growing fruit trees in Virginia, you will reap great benefits. Particular types of trees adapt and grow well in the climate and soil of the state.

Consider planting a variety of these popular fruit trees in Virginia, all winners when it comes to fruition:

• Apple Trees- The most variety can be found in apple trees, allowing Virginia homeowners to grow delicious apples including Golden Delicious, Fuji, Winesap, Gala, Ginger Gold and more. Be sure to mix your selections for optimal pollination. Apple trees can be grown in standard, semi dwarf and dwarf sizes.
• Pear Trees- Both European and Asian pears grow well in Virginia climates, including Orient, Harrow Delight, Early Golden, and Seckel varieties. Similar with apples, you will want to plant at least two different selections for pollination purposes.
• Cherry Trees- Sweet cherries and sour cherries are great matches for Virginia soil and weather. A wider variety of sweet cherries grow ideally, including Napoleon, Windsor and Hudson; Montmorency sour cherries are also complementary to Virginia and can typically self-pollinate.
• Peach Trees- As self-fertile plants, you only need to plant one variety (but you will surely enjoy the taste of many). The most successfully grown peaches in Virginia include White Lady, Contender, Morton, Earnie’s Choice and Redkist. If planting in the fall, plant about a month before the first killing frost.
• Nectarine Trees- Nectarines are a popular choice in Virginia as they are very similar to peaches. Here again, you will only need to plant one variety if you so choose. Select from the three most commonly grown varieties: Redgold, Flavortop and Fantasia.

While these trees are known for being well-grown in Virginia, you can still choose to plant other varieties and types of fruit trees. On the east coast, fig trees also bloom well and produce an abundance of fruit.

Planting Fruit Trees – When to Do It

Timing is vital when it comes to planting fruit trees in Virginia, the most optimal times being early spring and late fall. More specifically, fruit trees should be planted one month before spring blooms or one month after fall’s first frost.

Fruit trees should be dormant when planted. If you want to give trees the best chance of survival, springtime planting eliminates the risk of winter injury. The cold weather conditions in Virginia can carry along damaging winds, heavy snowfalls and frozen soils.

Whether purchasing trees from a nursery or mail-order catalog, you want to ensure the roots have proper water levels. If they appear to be on the dryer side, soak the roots for 24-48 hours before planting.

What to Expect When Growing Fruit Trees

Remember that many trees need to cross-pollinate, making it critical to plant multiple varieties. Without proper pollination, your trees will not be bearing any fruit.

In some scenarios, growing fruit trees can be fairly temperamental. Trees only have a certain amount of energy to expend, so homeowners need to harness that energy to balance between wood, bloom and fruit growth.

Ensure Healthy Growth Patterns

While you can’t predict with 100% accuracy if your tree will bear fruit, you can set the proper conditions for optimal growth.

Two things to keep in mind: do not over-fertilize and do not over-prune. Fertilizer contains nitrogen that encourages trees to grow excessively. Even fertilizing the grass surrounding the tree can trigger this growth.

Similarly, over-pruning can send the wrong signal to your tree. While it is absolutely vital to prune trees in the winter, be inordinately cautious with the cutes you make. This might be an optimal opportunity to recruit professional help with your tree care needs.

Click here to read our full guide on choosing the right kind of tree to plant for your needs.

Professional Tree Services from Absolute Tree!

If you live in Northern Virginia and find yourself in need of professional tree care, call us today at (703) 969-6207 or click here to contact us online.

Absolute Tree Service, Inc. is a full-service tree company licensed and insured to serve Northern Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, Springfield, and the surrounding areas. We offer services ranging from Tree Disease & Insect Control to tree pruning. Give us a call today to learn more!