Maryland is a beautiful state that offers plenty of biodiversity. These include fruit trees which are beneficial to people and wildlife. If you’re looking for fruit trees in Maryland to add to your own yard or garden, then you’re in luck. There are plenty of species to choose from.
Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are an excellent option, and not just because they produce delicious, sweet fruits. They also have excellent curb appeal for those that appreciate this specimen’s vibrant pink and white blossoms in the spring.
Cherry trees can grow fairly large, providing excellent shade if you are interested in that. However, they can be challenging to manage if you have a small yard.
Otherwise, cherry trees prefer well-drained soil and regular pruning to stay healthy.
Apple Trees
Who doesn’t enjoy picking apples on a clear fall day? With your apple tree, harvesting is as easy as stepping into your backyard. This plant is well known for being hearty and easy to take care of. Beginner gardeners often start with apple trees.
Like cherry trees, apple trees have the potential to grow quite large for a yard, so if you don’t have a lot of space, you might want to select a dwarf tree.
Most apple trees produce white flowers, so they are also beautiful to admire. You can expect the blossoms to come in between spring and summer.
Pear Trees
Pears are another delicious fruit that thrives in Maryland. Like apples, they are harvested in the fall and are most delicious when ripe. Although the pear tree is incredibly popular, there is also a pear shrub if your yard is not large enough for the tree.
These plants prefer full sun and regular pruning. Otherwise, they prefer to be left alone. In fact, over-fertilization can prevent your tree from bearing fruit.
In Maryland, an established tree can likely survive on rainwater and occasional watering. Otherwise, young trees will need watering one to two times a week.
Plum Trees
Plum trees are gorgeous specimens that produce fruit that you can harvest through much of the summer and fall. In the early spring, the trees come alive with pink, white, and lavender blossoms. Some people choose the plum tree strictly for its flowers and will select one that is not fruit-bearing.
These trees prefer well-drained soil that is allowed to dry completely between waterings. Otherwise, it requires full sun and rich, loamy soil.
Most plum trees are medium-sized, meaning they can reach up to 20 feet in height. Generally, this is considered a reasonable tree size for a yard, but if your space is minimal, you can select a dwarf variety.
Apricot Trees
Apricots, like cherries and plums, are considered stone fruits because of the pit at the center of the fruit. These trees are well known for their ability to produce without a partner, so that you can buy one tree, and it’s possible to grow apricots without pollination. Adding a pollinator does increase your chances, however.
Apricot trees often bloom early in the season, so they will need additional protection from late frosts. They are also a bit picky with soil. The roots of this plant run deep and won’t tolerate a lack of nutrients.
You will also need to prune it regularly. Learning how to remove branches and thin the fruits is essential to care for the apricot tree.
Can I Grow Fruit Trees in Maryland?
Clearly, fruit trees grow in abundance throughout the state of Maryland. If you plan to grow one of your own, it is important to do research on each individual species. Find out what zone you are in and whether or not you have the space, time, and environment for your preferred fruit tree to thrive.
Here are a few good reasons to plant a fruit tree:
- To attract wildlife
- To have a good fruit source
- To increase the aesthetic value of your home
- To get in touch with nature
If you are worried that growing your own fruit tree could be too large of an undertaking, you can always visit nurseries and orchards to enjoy the incredible benefits these trees have to offer.