5 Low Maintenance Fruit Trees for Urban Backyards

Living in the suburbs can often mean that you have to carefully plan your garden space but it does not also mean that you have to forgo the health benefits of having fruit trees in your backyard. Here are 5 low maintenance fruit trees that are easy to grow and will look great.

Lemon Trees

There is nothing quite like the sight of the vibrant yellow fruit and the strong citrus aroma that you get from your lemon tree as you stand and enjoy a moment of peace in your backyard. Having limited space is no barrier to growing a lemon tree and you can even grow yours in a container if you have limited ground space. Although there are dwarf varieties specifically used for growing in containers such as Lisbon and Ponderosa Dwarf you can also grow any variety of lemon in your container, it will just not be quite as big as if it were planted in the ground. The key to successful lemon tree growth whether you choose a container or the ground, is good drainage, regular watering (at the base) and a slow release fertilizer to make sure that it is getting consistent nutrients. Using a slow release fertilizer will not just keep you trees in good shape it will keep the level of maintenance required to a minimum.

Peach Trees

As Peach trees are a member of the stone fruit family they are much hardier and more resistant to cold temperatures. In order to get the best results and to enjoy a productive fruit crop you just need to work out the best place to plant your Peach tree. Ideally they require good exposure to sunshine and quick draining soil so you can use organic compost to create good conditions. If you are in a colder less exposed area you are best planting your tree in an elevated situation such as a raised patio in order to avoid exposure to ground frost.

Plums

Many gardeners consider that Plum trees are amongst the easiest to grow as they require minimal maintenance and very little pruning. Plum trees are hardier than a lot of fruit trees so they will withstand exposure to the elements provided you take care of them with plenty of organic compost mixed into their planting site. Your Plum tree should stay relatively small with a maximum height of about 15 feet and are a good choice for your backyard.

Cherries

There is no doubt that the Cherry tree provides a brilliant splash of color with their white and pink blooms in early spring. These trees are also very hardy and actually require the winter chill to set their blooms and the fruit. You should remember that Cherry trees are not self-pollenating so you will require a second tree to act as a pollinator and you can expect to enjoy a well looked after tree to last up to 35 years.

Apples

There are many varieties of apple to choose from but the general guidance for growing an apple tree is that they all require access to the sun and adequate drainage, as a sure way to kill off your tree is to let the roots sit in standing water. Apple trees can easily withstand a frost and lose their leaves every winter ready for a new productive season starting in the spring. You have to show a degree of patience with your apple tree as it will normally take about 3 or 4 seasons before they begin to produce the fruit, but it is normally worth the wait.

Jamie Brinn is an urban gardening enthusiast. He enjoys sharing his tips and insights on various blogs. Visit the link to find out more about growing lemon trees.

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