My new house has 2 spots where i can put a fruit tree. Wife and i disagree on what fruits. We both agree on an apple tree but she wants a peach and i want cherry.
So as far as hardiness goes which is the best choice?
For pollination i dont know of other fruit trees in my area, but we do have a red leaf sand plum cherry tree in the front. Its ornamental but could that help pollinate?
What exact variety of each tree would you go with? I am also open to suggestions if you think i should do something else. I always wanted a pawpaw but wife doesnt like that idea

Although I'm not a huge peach or cherry lover
(I'll eat both though, especially in homemade
ice cream), in zone 6 I'd choose cherry.

I'd pick peach in zone 7, but I have no scientific
reason for doing so.

My preference would be plum trees in either zone 6,
or 7 (where I live).

Sorry I can't answer your questions about pollination, etc.

I'm not familiar with varieties outside of apples,
and my pomology (fruit tree horticulture) is
amateurish, at best.


Best of luck!

Bookmarked for interest.

Thanks.

My arguement for cherries is that you dont have any windfall. Birds just carry them off so there isnt a bunch of rotting fruit.

My arguement against peaches is my mother had a peach tree that never made peaches because this area always gets a late freeze.

Also grew up with cherry trees in the front yard and i love cherry pie but that isnt whats swaying me.

I cheated.  I bought property in '04 that already
had apple trees.  I didn't have to put in the work
y'all are about to do.




Edit - Watch out for cedar apple rust disease.  

There are cedar trees near us. Should i dc the apple idea?

I’m also a zone 6-er and want to get some apple trees going. Do a quick search on low maintenance and disease resistant varieties. Apple trees traditionally need a bunch of care with pruning just right at the right times, spraying, covering, etc. I’ve been busy and haven’t picked what to get yet. Hoping there isnt a planting season for them too that I’ve already missed

Zone 6b here, this year I planted 3 peach & 2 apricot, will hopefully be 3 years to get fruit off them if I can keep them alive that long

Most peach trees are self pollinating. but planting 2 different varieties is usually a good idea. Not 100% sure on cherries, but I believe some need pollinators in order to produce.

Apples need at least 2 trees due to how their pollination works

There are decently rust resistant varieties

Ok. I guess i have some reading to do

Grimes Golden apple trees are self-fertile and late blooming. Considered the parent of Golden Delicious. I planted one this year.

Example of a chart listing various cultivars:

https://portlandnursery.com/docs/fruits/AppleDiseaseResistance.pdf

With fruit trees....you'll want to do them in pairs.

You'll also want to plant flowering plants nearby to attract bee's and butterflies to aid in pollination in the spring.

Pruning won't be required for a few seasons.
This is done after the chill period around early spring.
This promotes new branch growth during spring, increasing fruit production.

Stone fruit like plums, peaches, nectarines, cherries etc  will need to have a chill period during the dormant period. This varies from 200 to 400 hours depending on the type of fruit and the sub species.
Match the fruit variety/subspecies with your zone.

Throw a thin layer of compost down near the base of the tree in spring to promote growth, health, and fruit production.

Water when soil is dry and air temp is hot.
Don't over water to prevent root rot.


And....when trees start producing fruit, you'll need to protect the fruit from birds and squirrels.
A plastic sleeve on the base of the  trunks for squirrels....and temporary netting  over the tree helps alot.



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