[9 Min] X Fruit Trees To Plant This Fall For A Bountiful Harvest Next Year

While you may be busy trying to make the most of your autumn garden, the fall season can also be a wonderful time to plant fruit trees. As temperatures cool and the sun decreases its intensity, fall planting allows your fruit tree plenty of time to establish healthy roots before the first hard frost. The moderate weather leads to a perfect balance between warm soil and cool air, and thanks to these ideal conditions, your trees can focus on root development and growth. Another benefit to planting in the fall: Your fruit trees will appreciate the increased chance of rainfall. The moist, warm soil will further stimulate root growth. Plus, since you don't have to worry about extreme summer heat or sunlight, your plant will be able to grow in a low stress environment. Fall planting also allows your fruit trees to soak in the necessary chill hours they need to produce their flowers and a bountiful harvest.

And while you could wait to plant your fruit tree in the spring, come next year, its overall growth might be much smaller compared to your fall-planted fruit tree. That's because the latter will have stronger, healthier roots that can support the rest of its growth. Moreover, spring-planted trees might exert too much energy dealing with heat and dry conditions of summer. Fall-planted trees also need less maintenance, since it's not necessary to water as often as you would in the spring. The exact timing of your fall planting depends on your location. For example, if you live in an area with harsh winters, it's best to plant your tree earlier rather than later. You should also add mulch over the soil to keep in moisture and add tree guards to ward off wildlife looking for a tasty snack during the winter.

Grapefruit trees (Citrus x paradisi) can grow between 15 to 30 feet tall and wide. Hardy in zones 9 through 11, this tree prefers at least eight hours of direct sunlight. If you place your tree in a shadier area, it will not bear as many fruits. Grapefruit trees are particular about their soil — they don't like clay, preferring moist, well-draining loamy soil. When adding mulch, leave a one foot gap between the trunk and mulch to avoid root rot. Grapefruits cannot handle freezing temperatures, so use winter protection like tarps or blankets if there's a chance of frost.

Hardy in zones 8 through 10, pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or tree, though it is evergreen in warmer locations. As a tree, it can grow between 12 to 15 feet tall. Though tolerant of different soil types, pomegranates does best in full sun with loamy soil with excellent drainage.  You should plant potted pomegranates in the fall, since it's best to plant bare-root trees in the spring. While pomegranates thrive in the warmer climates of places like Arizona and California, you can grow your plant in containers and overwinter them indoors in areas with freezing winters. 

Offering delicious fruit and gorgeous blooms, this tree would be a great option for fall planting. Though, if you're interested in adding a cherry tree to your backyard, stick to a native option. Two types of trees — sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) — are invasive in areas like Oregon, Washington, Virginia, and Maryland. Another option: Try black cherry trees (Prunus serotina), which are native to North America. In general, cherry trees are hardy in zones 4 through 7, though it depends on the variety. October or November is the best time to plant your cherry tree. 

Unlike some trees, you only need one peach tree (Prunus persica) to produce its juicy fruit. Hardy in zones 5 through 10, standard trees can reach up to 20 feet tall, while dwarfs will stay under 10 feet. Pick an area that will get plenty of sun as these trees don't tolerate shade. They appreciate fertile, moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. In order to produce fruit, peach trees need 500 to 1,000 chill hours, depending on the species.  During this period, temperatures must stay below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover your tree with burlap during extreme cold weather. 

While apricots trees (Prunus armeniaca) can be high-maintenance (they need regular pruning), the hard work might be worth it for their fleshy fruit. This deciduous tree can grow between 15 and 40 feet tall and wide. Native to regions in Eastern Europe and western Asia, apricots appreciate moist, well-drained soil and full sun. A self-pollinating tree, apricots need between 700 and 1,000 chill hours to properly develop their fruit. Generally, apricots do well in zones 5 through 8, though there are hardier cultivars like 'Harcot' (Prunus armeniaca 'Harcot'). Plant your apricot tree in the fall after it goes dormant.

Pear trees (Pyrus communis) are another low-maintenance option. Since there are over 3,000 varieties of pear trees worldwide, you can easily find a type that fits best for your environment. Be aware though, that all pear trees require a certain number of chill hours in order to bear fruit. The exact number of chill hours depends on the variety of pear. For example, the popular Bartlett pears need at least 800 chill hours, while pineapple pear trees need only 150 hours. Generally hardy in zones 4 through 9, it's best to plant your young pear tree in the fall. 

Hardy in zones 9 through 11, lime trees (Citrus x latifolia) love to soak up full sun and will not tolerate any shade. Plant it an area where it will get at least 6 hours of direct sun. They are not fussy about their soil, as long as its organically rich, kept moist, and well-draining. You may want to amend your soil in order to create the best conditions for your tree. A mature tree can reach between 15 and 20 feet tall and wide. Another perk: lime trees are self-pollinating. Plant in the early fall for best results. 

No fall planting is complete without an apple tree (Malus domestica). Although standard versions of these trees can get 20 feet tall, if you're short on space, try dwarf varieties, which will stay under 10 feet tall, or semi-dwarf trees, which will remain between 10 to 15 feet tall. Like many trees on this list, apples appreciate around eight hours of direct sun, and soil that is loamy, moist, and well-draining. Generally, apples do best in zones 3 through 8. If you live in an area with a mild winter,  plant your tree in late September or early November. 

Easy to grow, plums (Prunus domestica) are another fabulous stone fruit tree you can plant in the fall. In addition to the aforementioned European plum, there is also Japanese plums (Prunus salicina) and American plums (Prunus americana). You could consider the latter for your home garden if you live in a colder climate. Generally hardy in zones 3 through 9, plums need full sun and fertile, well-draining soil to thrive. Note that Japanese plums are great for warmer areas, while European plums are better suited for cooler climates. Surround young trees with mulch, and consider adding a winter guard.

Native to North America, pawpaw tree (Asimini triloba) is probably the least known fruit tree. It's short shelf life means it's rarely carried in grocery stores. Still, home gardeners should give this deciduous tree a try. It produces a custard-like fruit that tastes like a mix between banana and mango. Hardy in zones 5 through 9, pawpaw trees can get between 15 and 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It likes moist, well-draining soil and prefers to be planted in an area that receives full sun with afternoon shade. After planting, make sure to add plenty of mulch.