Apple trees are often the go-to species when someone wants to plant a fruit tree. This species is known for being easy to grow when conditions are ideal. But fruit trees also require annual pruning and are susceptible to pests, such as apple maggots and codling moths. If your apple tree keeps letting you down, it may be time to try growing something different. For gardeners hoping to cultivate delicious homegrown fruits without taking on a huge challenge, don’t miss these expert-recommended suggestions. Below are the fruit trees pro gardeners say can be even easier to grow than an apple tree.
Meet Our Expert
Susan Poizner, urban orchardist, ISA-certified arborist, and fruit tree care educator at Orchard People
Christy Wilhelmi, founder of Gardenerd and author of High Yield Small Space Organic Gardening
Related: 7 Fast-Growing Fruit Trees That Are Surprisingly Easy to Grow
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01 of 07
Mulberry
Birds will flock to your yard if you have a mulberry tree — but there’s a certain degree of mess you have to put up with
Credit: Jenny Dettrick / Getty Images
Mulberries (Morus) produce an abundance of delicious berries that look a lot like blackberries but are actually a bit sweeter. “If I had to recommend one truly easy fruit tree, it would probably be a mulberry,” says orchardist and arborist Susan Poizner. “Mulberry trees are incredibly tough. They appreciate good care and occasional pruning, but they don’t usually suffer from nearly as many pests and diseases as apple trees.”
She notes that one of the biggest chores with a mulberry tree will be harvesting—always a good problem to have. “The fruit doesn’t ripen all at the same time,” says Poizner. “So you can harvest for days or even weeks as you wait for the berries to ripen.” But she emphasizes that this can be helpful for a home grower, as you’ll enjoy the fruit for longer. Avoid planting a mulberry tree near sidewalks and driveways to avoid fallen fruit on the pavement.
02 of 07
Sweet Cherry
If sweet cherries (Prunus avium) are a frequent flyer on your summer grocery list, consider planting a tree in your backyard. “In many regions, sweet cherry trees can also be surprisingly easy to grow, especially if you choose a variety that’s well suited to your local climate,” says Poizner. “Once established, a healthy cherry tree can produce an incredible amount of fruit with relatively little maintenance.” She notes that the biggest job you might have is pruning for height, which can be done in early summer after harvesting your cherries.
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03 of 07
Meyer Lemon
You can grow Meyer lemons (Citrus × meyeri) outdoors in warm climates—or in containers just about anywhere as long as you bring them indoors to a sunny window during winter. It’s a low-maintenance way to enjoy fresh lemons at home.
A hybrid cross between citron and mandarin oranges, Meyer lemons are sweet, delicious, and easy to grow. They also never grow much taller than about 10 feet—and some varieties are even shorter than this—so they can fit in well in crowded landscapes or small spaces.
04 of 07
Serviceberry
If you like blueberries, you can grow a similar-looking and somewhat similar-tasting berry on a small tree. “Serviceberries are another super-easy edible landscape tree,” says Poizner. “Because they’re native to much of North America, they’re often wonderfully adapted to local growing conditions.”
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She notes that serviceberries (Amelanchier) produce beautiful white flowers in the spring before rewarding you with delicious purple berries in early summer. “The berries are wonderful fresh, but they’re also excellent in muffins, jams, or sprinkled over cereal.” She recommends waiting to harvest until the berries are fully purple—red berries aren’t ready.
05 of 07
Navel Orange
Credit: Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images
Sometimes the ease of growing a particular tree has to do with your location. For those in warm climates, citrus trees can be among the easiest to grow. Navel oranges (Citrus × sinensis) are a top choice of gardening author Christy Wilhelmi. “They are much easier to grow than apples in my region because they are low chill (most apples are not), and they love our climate,” she says. Navel orange trees are happiest in full sun locations with well-draining soil.
06 of 07
Pear
Credit: Lusyaya / Getty Images
Pear trees (Pyrus communis) have a reputation for being one of the easiest fruit trees to grow, and this may be thanks to their natural resistance to pests and diseases. “Depending on where you live, apple trees can be attacked by a wide range of insect pests like apple maggots and codling moths, and they can also suffer from diseases like fire blight, cedar-apple rust, canker, and many others,” says Poizner.
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Pears also require less pruning than apple trees because pear trees have a more upright growth habit. You’ll enjoy greater yields at harvest time if you plant a second pear tree to act as a pollinator. Plant your pear tree in a sunny location and choose a spot with well-draining soil to ensure the best success.
07 of 07
Toka Plum
If your location is known for having cold winters, it can limit the type of fruit trees you can plant. “No matter which fruit tree you choose, success starts with choosing a tree that’s well suited to your climate, soil, available space, and pollination needs,” says Poizner. “That’s one of the biggest mistakes beginners make. They fall in love with a tree before finding out whether it’s actually a good fit for where they live.”
For those in cold climates, like zone 3, the delightful Toka plum makes an excellent choice. It’s hardy to negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit and, like many fruit trees, it will be happiest in full sun with well-draining soil. Toka plums will self-pollinate but can still benefit from having another plum tree nearby.
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