You may not think of Tucson being the right environment for fruit trees, but in reality, several varieties can thrive in the desert climate. If you’re going to plant fruit trees, be sure to consult with your landscaper’s arborist to choose the appropriate tree to plant. Some fruit trees won’t work at all in Tucson, while only certain varieties of other kinds of fruits will work. If you want to add fruit trees to your landscaping, this information will help.
Consider the Chill Hours
A differentiating factor to consider when selecting a fruit tree is how many hours of cold weather it needs. The chill hours refers to the amount of time the trees need to be exposed to temperatures of 45 degrees or less each winter season. Chill hours don’t have to be consecutive, but they do have to accumulate over a winter season. Generally, trees that need less than 500 chill hours per season are ideal for Tucson, and slightly lower is even better. Some varieties of apples, peaches, and plums fall into this category.
Know What You’re Getting Yourself Into
Several fruit trees require a significant amount of pruning and maintenance, as do fruiting shrubbery like blackberry bushes. Failing to follow the pruning schedule will reduce the quality of the fruit you get and shorten the lifespan of the tree. Ask your landscaper what kind of maintenance that the trees you’re considering will require, so you can be sure you want to make the commitment.
Weigh Your Cross Pollinator Options
Some fruit trees are self-pollinators, while other require a cross-pollinator. To have a cross-pollinator, you will need ample space and the assistance of your landscaper to choose an appropriate cross-pollinator. If you don’t have the space, your landscaper can also help you choose a self-pollinator, like some types of apple trees.
The arborists at Complete Landscaping can help you choose the right kind of fruit tree to successfully grow for years in your garden. Speak to one of our experts today by calling our Tucson landscaping company at (520) 323-8918.