Texas Gardener: Things to Consider when Buying a Fruit Tree in Texas
Mike Mecke
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By ArborTrue
We've all experienced seeing a fruit tree only to read information about it and find out it wouldn't grow where we lived in Texas. Worse, you may have read information about a tree and not understood what it meant.
Picking a fruit tree can be difficult. There is a lot of information, and it can be complicated. On top of that, there are so many choices it can be hard to narrow things.
It doesn't have to be difficult though. With some information and a little guidance, you can find the right fruit tree for your situation.
Below we go over some of the things you can consider when selecting a fruit tree.
Hardiness Zone
The hardiness zone has to do with the lowest temperatures an area can expect to receive during the winter. If a tree is hardy to a zone, it means it can, generally speaking, survive the expected low temperatures.
In Texas, our hardiness zones range from 6b to 10a. You can find a map at: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/.
You'll want to select a tree that is hardy to the zone where you live.
Chill Hours
If a tree requires a certain number of chill hours, it means that it needs to experience cold temperatures below a threshold amount for that many hours for the tree to produce fruit properly.
The number of chill hours a fruit tree needs can be found in its information or online.
In Texas, you can find an estimate of the chill hours where you live by going to https://texaset.tamu.edu/.
On this site, select a station, and on the next page select chill units. We looked it up for Houston and found the chill hours were either 381 or 437 depending on method. For Austin, it was 508 and 606 depending on method.
If the fruit tree you want requires less than the estimated chill hours for your area, your fruit tree has the potential to produce fruit where you live.
Need for a Pollinator
Fruit trees can be self-fertile, require a pollinator, or be somewhere in between. If a fruit tree is self-fertile, it means that it can produce fruit with pollen from its own flowers or the flowers of a tree of the same variety. If a tree requires a pollinator, it means that it will need pollen from another tree before it can produce fruit properly. If a tree requires a pollinator, acceptable varieties should be listed in the tree's information.
If a tree needs a pollinator, you'll need to buy at least two trees of different varieties if you'd like to have fruit. If a tree is self-fertile, you might be able to have fruit with just the one tree.
As an example, Anna apple trees can grow in Texas. They require a pollinator and can be pollinated with trees such as Dorset Golden and Floribunda Crabapple.
Pest and Disease Susceptibility
Some fruit trees are more pest and disease resistant than others. As you consider a fruit tree, take some time to find out if it is resistant or susceptible to any pests or diseases and what might be occurring in your area. Consider avoiding fruit trees that are susceptible to something that is prevalent where you live.
An example of a tree that can resist pests and disease and that can grow in Texas is the Fuyu Persimmon (Diospyros Kaki 'Fuyu').
Form of Tree
When you buy a fruit tree, it will generally come in one of four forms: containerized, container grown, balled and burlapped, or bare root. The form of your tree will depend on the tree, where you are buying it from, the cost, and your situation, and you may have more than one choice.
Shipping Size
You can buy trees at different stages of life and in different forms. A young bare-root tree can be significantly smaller than a more mature containerized one. This will impact cost and transportation. It is something to consider when selecting a fruit tree.
Ultimate Size, Shape, and Speed of Growth
Many fruit trees can grow large in terms of height and width. You want to make sure the ultimate size of your tree will work in its planting location. You don't want to buy a tree that will outgrow its location.
Along with size, the shape of the tree and how quickly it grows are also important. Some trees have tall, narrow growth habits. Others grow in a more spreading fashion. Also, some trees grow relatively slowly and others more quickly. These are important things to consider when selecting a tree.
Microclimate
In addition to general things like hardiness zones and chill hours, you'll also want to consider the conditions that are specific to the place where your tree will be. As we know in Texas, the specific conditions can easily be different even just a short distance apart.
On a tree's information it will often note its light requirements. This can be specific to your planting location. Other specific area considerations are things like wind and humidity. While you might not be able to take all of these things into account, you should try and keep them in mind so you find something better suited to your specific area.
Soil Conditions
Soil conditions are important for trees. Some trees do better in more moist soil, some in dryer. Some do better in acidic soil, and some in alkaline. A soil test can help you understand your soil conditions. Generally, you want to select a tree that can do well in its planting location.
Depending on where you live in Texas, your soil might have more or less clay, sand, or silt than another place. For example, near the Gulf Coast, soils can have more clay. The specific soil where you live will depend on several conditions and can vary greatly from the general soil conditions of the area.
Climate Resilience
The climate in an area can change over time. To cope with this, you might consider looking for trees that are climate resistant. These are trees that can tolerate changes in the climate where they live.
One place to start is with trees that are native to your area of Texas. A tree that is native to your area can have a better chance of dealing with the climate there than trees that aren't. You might also want to consider non-native trees, if where they are native to is similar to where you are.
Length of Time to Bear Fruit
This can vary depending on the species of tree and its age when you buy it. It can sometimes take years for a tree to start bearing fruit, and this is important to consider when making your selection.
Pruning Requirements
Different trees can have different pruning requirements. For example, a tree that bears fruit on new wood will require different pruning than a tree that bears fruit on one-year-old wood. Some trees can require more pruning than others, especially if you want it to have a specific form. These are important things to consider.
Tree Inspection
If you are buying a tree from a nursery, you should inspect it. Look for things like damage, signs of pests, and signs of disease. If the tree is in a container, and you can do so, check the condition of the roots to make sure they look healthy and aren't pot bound. It would be better for you to avoid trees that have any negative issues.
Use of Fruit
When considering fruit trees, you'll want to consider what you are going to do with the fruit. You should consider fruit trees that produce fruit you like and that you can find ways to consume, give away, or preserve.
Other Considerations
Above, we listed some of the considerations when it comes to purchasing a fruit tree. There are others, such as following rules regarding trees in your area. This list is a good starting point, but there is more to consider.
A Checklist
Looking at the items above as a checklist can help you go through them. You might note your requirements for each of the items (for example, noting your hardiness zone, chill hours, and planting location sun) and develop a checklist for selecting a tree. Once you have your list you can then look for trees that meet the requirements. If you need help in selecting a fruit tree, a qualified arborist can help you make a selection.
ArborTrue is a science-based tree-service company in the greater Houston area. They also serve Austin and other parts of Central Texas. They provide a range of services including tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, tree planting, arborist consultations, and more. Call them at 832-980-8733 (Houston) or at 512-546-3833 (Austin) or reach out online to schedule an appointment.
