Species of trees such as oaks, maples, birches, various evergreens and dogwoods are common throughout Missouri and the Midwest, and for good reason. They’re sturdy, tend to need little maintenance, are long-lived and can handle the weather extremes of the Midwest.

So, it’s no surprise that homeowners often “default” to those varieties of trees, and overlook species of fruit trees that thrive in the face of challenging Midwestern weather conditions. But selecting the right varieties of fruit trees can lead to a bountiful harvest and enhance the beauty of your landscape. Adding fruit trees to your yard or landscaping offers homeowners numerous advantages:

• Flavorful Produce: Homegrown fruit often tastes better and is more nutritious than store-bought varieties.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Fruit trees add visual interest to your landscape with their beautiful blossoms and vibrant fruits.
• Environmental Benefits: Fruit trees support local ecosystems by providing habitat and food for wildlife and improving soil health.
• Cost Savings: Reducing your grocery bill by growing your own fruit can be both satisfying and economical.

Best Fruit Tree Varieties For The Midwest

If you’re interested in adding fruit trees to your landscaping, consider the following varieties, each of which can thrive in our area, given the right care:

Apple Trees

Apple trees are a popular choice for Missouri homeowners due to their adaptability and the variety of flavors they offer. Consider these top varieties:

• ‘Arkansas Black’: Known for its deep red color and rich, tangy flavor, the Arkansas Black apple is excellent for fresh eating and baking. It is hardy and well-suited to Missouri’s climate.
• ‘Honeycrisp’: With its crisp texture and sweet flavor, Honeycrisp apple trees are a favorite among gardeners. This variety requires cross-pollination, so plant it alongside another apple variety for best results.
• ‘Jonathan’: This apple variety is known for its tartness and firm texture. Jonathan apples are ideal for eating fresh, making cider, or baking.

Apple trees require full sun and well-drained soil. Ensure proper spacing between trees for good air circulation and disease prevention. 

Peach Trees

Peach trees thrive in Missouri’s warm summers and offer delicious, juicy fruit. If you’d like to add a peach tree or trees to your home, consider these varieties:

• ‘Elberta’: Elberta peach trees reliably produce excellent peaches renowned for their large size and sweet, juicy flesh. This variety is reliable and well-suited to Missouri’s climate.
• ‘Redhaven’: Redhavens are relatively disease-resistant and perform well in Midwestern weather. These trees produce an early-ripening peach with excellent flavor and firmness
• ‘Contender’: Known for its ability to handle cold weather, the Contender peach can withstand extreme winters. It produces sweet fruit and is a good choice for colder areas.

Peaches need full sun and well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps maintain tree health and encourages better fruit production.

Pear Trees

Pear trees offer homeowners both beautiful blossoms and delicious fruit. These varieties are particularly well-suited to Missouri:

• ‘Bartlett’: One of the most popular pear varieties, Bartlett pear trees are known for producing pears with sweet, juicy flavor. These trees adapt well to Missouri’s climate and soil conditions, and are excellent for fresh eating and preserving.
• ‘Kieffer’: Kieffer pears are hardy and disease resistant. They have a firm texture and are great for canning and baking.
• ‘Bosc’: With its distinctive russet skin and rich flavor, the Bosc pear is well-suited to Missouri’s conditions and is perfect for both fresh eating and cooking.

It’s important to remember that pear trees also benefit from cross-pollination. Planting multiple varieties will enhance fruit production and quality.

Cherry Trees

Cherry trees can add both beauty and flavor to your landscaping. If you’re interested in growing cherry trees, consider the following varieties:

• ‘Montmorency’: A tart cherry ideal for cooking and preserving. Montmorency cherries are prolific and perform well in Missouri’s climate.
• ‘Bing’: Bing cherries are sweet and excellent for fresh eating. They require a pollinator, so plant a compatible cherry variety nearby.
• ‘Stella’: A self-pollinating cherry that produces sweet fruit. Stella cherries are suitable for smaller gardens and thrive in midwestern weather and soil conditions.

Remember, cherry trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Ensure adequate spacing to promote healthy growth and reduce disease risk.

Plum Trees

Plum trees add vibrant color and delicious fruit to your garden. Consider these top picks:

• ‘Methley’: A self-pollinating plum with sweet, juicy fruit. Methley plums are well-suited for Missouri’s weather and soil conditions and are great for fresh eating and preserves.
• ‘Santa Rosa’: Known for its tart flavor and beautiful color, the Santa Rosa plum is a durable tree that thrives in the face of challenging Midwestern weather and is versatile in use.
• ‘Shiro’: Produces large, yellow fruit with a sweet taste. Shiro plums are adaptable and perform well in a variety of soil types.

If you choose a plum tree variety, understand that all plums need full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and proper spacing are crucial for plum trees’ healthy growth and fruit production.

Planting And Caret Tips For Fruit Trees

To ensure the success of your fruit trees, follow these planting and care guidelines:

• Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Avoid planting fruit trees in areas prone to becoming waterlogged.
• Watering: Fruit trees require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Maintain consistent moisture levels without overwatering.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support vigorous growth and fruit development. Work with a certified arborist to learn more about how to best use fertilizers.
• Pruning: Prune your trees annually to remove dead or diseased wood, improve air circulation, and shape the tree. This promotes healthy growth and better fruit quality.

Growing fruit trees in Missouri can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, offering fresh, homegrown produce and enhancing your garden’s beauty. By choosing the right varieties—such as apple, peach, pear, cherry, and plum trees—you can enjoy a thriving orchard and a bountiful harvest. With proper care and attention to Missouri’s climate, your fruit trees will provide years of enjoyment and delicious fruit. Happy gardening!

Are You Interested In Adding Fruit Trees To Your Landscaping? Consult With The Experts At Hansen’s Tree Service Today!

Growing fruit trees can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, offering fresh, homegrown produce and enhancing your home’s beauty. By choosing the right varieties—such as apple, peach, pear, cherry, and plum trees—you can enjoy a thriving orchard and a bountiful harvest. With proper care and attention your fruit trees will provide years of enjoyment and delicious fruit.

Our certified arborists and plant care specialists are experts in helping homeowners select the exact species of trees that best meet their objectives. They can assess your property, consult with you on your specific tastes and recommend a selection of plant species which will give your home or business a polished, engaging appearance, all while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and the maintenance required to keep your landscaping beautiful, engaging, and in the case of fruit trees, tasty.

Contact us today and let our insured, experienced professionals take care of all your tree-related needs!