Delicious Fruit Trees That Grow Well In Sandy Soil

If you're hoping to grow a fruit orchard but have sandy soil in your yard, you may be rightly concerned that any trees you plant there won't thrive. Indeed, sandy soil doesn't lend itself well to growing plants. Sand comprises large particles that allow water to drain all too quickly, leaving little moisture for the plants' roots. Likewise, sand does not retain nutrients or microorganisms. Because fo these qualities, sand makes a poor growing medium for trees that need organically rich, wet soils, as well as those that are not particularly drought tolerant.

However, there's no need to give up on your dream of having fruit trees in your yard. As you'll find out below, there are several trees that produce delicious fruit and thrive in sandy soil, needing nothing more than a few simple amendments that remedy sand's inherent perviousness. In fact, certain fruit trees actually grow in sandy soils exclusively and need no amendments on your part. 

Apart from bearing delicious, versatile, and healthy fruit, avocado trees (Persea americana) are known to grow well in areas with sandy soil. Just keep in mind that these trees can grow rather large, with medium-sized varieties reaching heights of 30 feet. Avocado trees are suited for USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12, and they do best with well-draining soil. Once you've mastered how to grow an avocado tree, you can harvest the fruit and it will ripen within about a week of being picked.

Beach plum (Prunus maritima) is another type of tasty fruit tree you can grow in sandy soil conditions. As its name suggests, beach plum is found along beaches and coastal regions and is native to areas spanning the eastern coast of North America between Nova Scotia and Virginia. The tree has a bush-like appearance, and it grows relatively slowly when planted in pure sand. These trees are low-maintenance, and they do best in full sun in hardiness zones 3 to 8. Ripe beach plums can be eaten raw or be used for homemade jellies and jams.

Mulberry (Moras spp.) is a tree that belongs to the same family as figs. Hardy in zones 4 to 10, the tree is not only prized for its ability to produce sweet fruits that resemble blackberries, but it also has the reputation for thriving in sandy soils. While these trees don't need much maintenance after being established, they do best in areas with full sun. Be aware that some types of mulberry trees may be illegal to grow in certain states. Red mulberries (Morus rubra) are native, so you can grow them anywhere.

If you'd like a citrus tree that produces fruit you can eat raw (unlike, say, a lemon or a lime tree), consider planting a navel orange tree (Citrus x sinesis). This tree does especially well in sandy soils because of its need for drier roots between watering sessions. That said, it can tolerate wet soil if needed. Hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, navel oranges do best in warm climates and need at least six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Since maintenance requires a bit of skill and effort,  learn how to care for an orange tree before planting one in your yard. 

Whether you love eating peaches raw or cooking or canning them, having a peach tree (Prunus persica) can be a great addition to a yard with sandy soil. Compost and fertilizer are key to helping a peach tree thrive in sand and to preventing dried-out fruit. Soil conditions aside, peach trees can be difficult for novice gardeners to grow because of the extra care they need to keep pests and diseases at bay. Consider reading the essential tips for growing healthy peach trees before getting started. These fruit trees are hardy in zones 4 to 9.

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a fruit tree that can be grown in just about any soil type, including sand. Not only is the tree drought-tolerant and easy to grow, but the native tree also produces caramel-tasting fruit you'll enjoy having at your disposal during the fall months. The biggest problem with persimmon fruit trees is they are notoriously slow-growing — a tradeoff for their resilience to sandy soil. Nevertheless, this is a hardy tree that can be planted in zones 4 to 9. For the best fruit quality, plant persimmon in an area it can get full sun.

As the consumption of pomegranates (Punica granatum) has increased in recent years, so has the idea of growing and taking care of pomegranate trees. These fruit trees can flourish in sandy soils, but they do need good air circulation and full sun. Pomegranate is technically a deciduous shrub, but you can train it to grow like a tree, and it can reach heights of 12 to 20 feet. Also, keep in mind that the edible parts of this fruit are its juicy seeds, which can be challenging to access. Pomegranate is hardy in zones 7 to 11.