skip to main content

Fruit & Orchards

Recommendations for small fruiting and nut trees and shrubs?

14 years ago

Hello all. I've been lucky enough to find a house at the edge of the Twin Cities suburbs on 1.25 acres of land, and am trying to decide what kind of trees and shrubs to plant on it. Other than a half-dozen silver maples and a few poplars in the front yard, the back yard is empty except for a large veggie garden, a raspberry patch, and a chicken coop.

So, in order to maximize my space, I was hoping to plant smaller varieties of some common fruiting and nut-producing species. I'm already looking at apples, pears, peaches, apricots, persimmons, hazelnuts, dwarf oaks, dwarf chestnuts, serviceberries, mulberries, cherries, and plums. What other kinds of fruit and nut crops are available for someone on the border of Zone 4 and Zone 5?

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

ottawan_z5a
14 years ago
You have covered almost all small fruits including rasberries. Rasberries are the ones that will not fail to fruit. Most others (but not all) trees will grow nicely but may not fruit every year in Zone4~5 even if you get the hardiest ones. Apples may be one of the exception.
From my experience in Zone 5, I would suggest to include "Evan" cherry in case you also discover that sweet cheries are difficult to fruit in colder zones (in addition to the associated diseases for the stone fruit trees). Evan cherry will fruit most of the years.
I will also recommend CHUM (Cherry-Plum hybrid. These are hardy and available from 'DNA Gardens ...(Google it)'. Get a good combination for pollination.
In addition, think about honeyberries. They fruit in colder zones.
I am having problem growing Blueberries in Zone 5 so I cannot say much about it unless you want to try your luck.
Keep in mind that the Zone numbers are indicative of winter harshness but not all similar Zones will have similar summer conditions. Some Zone 4 locations will have warmer summers than other Zone 4 locations with better gardening results. Good luck in your selection.
nhardy
14 years ago
I just finished emailing Steve Cummins, of Cummins Nursery, about dwarf apricot trees. In 2011 they will have Krymsk 1,(VVA-1) rootstock, it will be 50% the size of standard tree & hardy to zone 4. I begged for a multi grafted late blooming Harrow series ones. They are think about grafting a few. He said they will plant them 5 ft. apart. Now that is dwarf. Currants are cold hardy & take some shade too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Apricot Brix numbers based on rootstock
Related Discussions
Fruit/nut trees for a rocky hillside
Q
Comments (4)
My orchard is on a rocky hillside and seems happy growing there. The same trees are growing down in the valley on level ground. The difference is the amount of work I must do. Picking from a ladder on a hillside is not easy. Therefor I try to keep my trees short. Using my tractor on a hillside is dangerous, and the roll bars to protect me in case of a rollover will not fit under a short tree. I am forced to cultivate with a roto tiller, not easy on a hillside. My soil is clay/loam and takes rain without runoff and is not subject to slides. I hope this gives you something to think about. Al
...See More
Tree With Large Leaves & Small Fruits/Nuts?
Q
Comments (5)
The fruits are strung along an axis, in the manner of a walnut - seems like no fig would have that. This might be a deal-breaker for Quercus also, I'm not sure.
...See More
Recommendations for Fruit & Nut Yard Trees
Q
Comments (1)
Illinois Everbearing mulberry - fast-growing, will make a great 'shade tree' in just a few years, makes a nice climbing tree for kids, and produces lots of top-quality tasty berries for about 6 weeks in early summer. Few pests - but you'll have to battle the birds for the berries. Shagbark hickories have multi-season interest - big buds that look like tulips when they're unfolding, neat exfoliating bark, and warm golden fall color - and tasty nuts, if a bit tough to crack. Northern pecan makes a great shade tree - but there need to be 2 or 3 varieties or seedling trees in the area to get decent crops of nuts. Heartnut(J.ailantifolia var cordiformis) makes a great wide-spreading, almost tropical-looking tree, and the nuts are tasty, if a bit bland, for my taste. Persimmons - American, Asian, and hybrids are all low-care/no-spray. Check out Nolin River Nut Tree Nursery and England's Orchard & Nursery websites for good candidates.
...See More
Shrub / small tree recommendation for privacy in SF yard?
Q
Comments (4)
You could go native and put in a flannelbush (Fremontodendron californicum). Drought tolerant, beautiful flowers, about 10' tall, dense evergreen foliage... I've seen some growing on the east side of the city (potrero). I don't know how one would do in the fog belt but it could be okay. Other thoughts, how about a loquat? They grow well in the city, have nice dense foliage, and can be kept at about that height with a little maintenance. I also have seen a nice hibiscus in the city that might fit your needs.
...See More
hemnancy
14 years ago
I really like Aronia viking, but don't know how it performs in your zone. All the clusters and all the fruit on the tree ripen at once so it is very easy to harvest, and very healthful.
flora_uk
14 years ago
You don't mention red and black currants or gooseberries. Would they work in your zone? They are certainly popular in the colder parts of Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, so there is a cultural link with MN.
organic_mescalito
14 years ago
Don't forget strawberries and elderberries.
frozen_north
14 years ago
Nick_B, I live in the Minneapolis area and have just completed a new web site on this very subject that you may find informative. It lacks photos for the time being and is a work in progress, but should address many of your questions. Email me if you would like to stop by some time and see our plantings.

nhardy, I've been in touch with the people at Cummins Nursery as well and they are apparently going to have the Harrow apricots on Manchurian Apricot roots for next spring. I tend to be a fan of more vigorous trees and plan to order some.

Here is a link that might be useful: Nerstrand area fruit website
nhardy
14 years ago
Nick_B, I forgot to add the link to your local extension with their recommendations. How about 2hrs away is Woodstock Nusery. They have a cold hardy dwarf McKay peach. The hardest part will be finding dwarf rootstock for some of these varieties.
frozen_north, I only have space for a dwarf tree. We already have a Sweet Gum, Silver Maple, Magnolia, Red Bud, 3 Dogwoods & an apple tree.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fruits for Minnesota

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow 10 Favorite Fruit Trees at Home

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant a mini orchard in fall, winter or early spring to enjoy fresh-off-the-tree fruit the following year

TREES How to Buy Healthy Trees and Shrubs

By Falon Mihalic

A healthy young plant with a strong form is more likely to do well in your yard. Here’s what to look for at the nursery

FARM YOUR YARD If You Have Room for Only One Fruit Tree ...

Juice up a small garden with one of these easier-care or worth-the-effort fruit trees for a mild climate

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Grow Blueberries for Their Fruit and More

By Ellen Sousa/Turkey Hill Brook Farm

Eastern gardeners should consider growing blueberry plants for their delicious fruits, bee-friendly spring blooms and brilliant fall foliage

FALL GARDENING 9 Deer-Resistant Flowering Shrubs to Plant This Fall

These exquisite shrubs will attract your attention but won’t tempt the deer that roam your neighborhood at night

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Standout Native Shrubs and Small Palms for Southern Gardens

By Falon Mihalic

These hardworking plants serve a variety of purposes, such as screening views and attracting native wildlife

GARDENING GUIDES Tidy Up Sprawling Native Shrubs With These Pruning Tips

By Oakley Gardens

Sound horticultural pruning methods work for native and nonnative plants alike

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners

SHRUBS 5 Glorious Late-Season Shrubs

Spilling over with berries or bursting with blooms, these stunning underused shrubs keep the garden party going through fall

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Deer-Resistant Elegant Evergreen Shrubs to Plant This Fall

Who knew that such beautiful shrubs could be deer-resistant?

Sponsored

Hope Restoration & General Contracting

35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

More Discussions

Is there any treatment for this?

3

raise the soil level around a grapevine

2

Peach variety recommendations, please

2

Peach tree dead buds

2

beginning fruit or new leaves

6