Trees offer so many benefits that can be enjoyed in smaller spaces: privacy, shade, landscape structure & texture, spring flowers, fall color and some also have the added interest of edible fruit. Fruit trees and shrubs are a good choice for urban gardens. Many are small or can be pruned to keep them small. They will help provide privacy and hopefully lots of nice fruit! Landscape with a few varieties creating a living fence or shade area. Fruit trees will attract pollinators with spring flowers, greenery in the summer and fresh fruit in the fall. The fruit is often enjoyed by birds, if you also want to eat the fruit, which most of us do….this can be a struggle! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries grow well in beds and as border plants. Fruit Trees Need 1. Chill hours Many fruit trees need a cold period to generate flowering (hours below 45 degrees Fahrenheit ) for example Apple trees on average need over 900 - 1,200 hours. 2. Pollination: Some fruit trees need cross-pollination to set flower and subsequently fruit like Apple and Pear trees. In urban gardens, you are normally close enough to a flowering crabapple or Bradford pear to allow the bees to use those as your tree’s pollinators. 3. Placement: Be aware of the ultimate height and spread of your tree before you plant to ensure it has enough space and light to grow. It may take about 3-4 years after planting for fruit production to begin for trees and about 2 years for bushes. With a little research, you will be able to find the right trees or shrubs for your urban garden. It pays to spend some time to pick the right plants for your space and desires.
Small Fruit trees you may consider from Sheffield's Seed
