Additional Excellent Choices of Fruit Trees Good for New Jersey and it’s Surrounding States

New Jersey and the surrounding northeastern states experience 4 seasons throughout the year.  This four season year supports the growth and vegetation of some of the yummiest fruit trees in our hemisphere.  Apple, Peach, Apricot and Nectarine Trees thrive in this climate, taking full advantage of each season, using it as an integral part of the tree and resulting fruits development.  Let’s look at the varieties of fruit trees that can not only add fruit for your family’s meal but also provide character and color to your backyard.

Apple Tree

Apples – Red, Golden Delicious, Gala and Honeycrisp apples are a few varieties that can be planted and thrive in the Northeast.

  • In New Jersey the best time to harvest (pick) apples is September 1 thru October 25.
  • Mid July is the earliest recommended pick date.
  • Spring time is the best time of year to plant apple trees.
  • The average lifespan of an Apple Tree is 50 to 80 years.  So that apple tree you have fond memories of as a child, may in fact still be there, serving up yummy memories for a new generation.
  • Pruning Apple trees is an important way to prevent disease and boost fruit production.

peach tree

Peaches – White Lady and Lady Nancy are white fleshed peaches. Sentry and Desiree and Gloria are some of the yellow fleshed peaches.

  • Make sure the soil is well drained as poor drainage will kill the roots.
  • Unlike apple trees only one peach tree is needed as most peach trees are self-pollinating.
  • The growing season is from late June through September.
  • Peach trees are considered relatively short lived, lasting about 15 to 20 years.

If your children would like to experiment, the peach pit can be planted as well. This will likely teach patience as well, as it can several years for the peach tree to grow from a germinating seed and not all seeds will germinate. Plant seeds in the fall; they should be planted in well-draining soil much like the trees do best in. Plant them as you would if planting trees with space between each. Using compost or other organic material, plants pits 3 or 4 inches down and cover with enough straw for overwintering. Water during planting and when dry. By spring, if the peach pit is good, you should see sprouting and a new peach seedling will grow.

Nectarines – There are yellow fleshed varieties: Flavortop and Summer Beaut among others and for white fleshed nectarines there are Artic Sweet, Glo and Jay. These are susceptible for bacteria rot, watch the leaves and be prepared to do a drench.

  • They are similar to peaches in taste, without the fuzz.
  • Needs plenty of water.
  • Nectarines are self pollinating so only one plant is needed to produce fruit.
  • Nectarines are the exception to the usual pruning during the winter. They need to be pruned at the end of early spring to allow the development of a strong limb structure and allow easy access to the fruit.

apricot tree

Apricots These trees are hardy and very productive. Some varieties are Harcot, Perfection, Katy, Tilton, Patterson, although there are many others. Apricots regardless of type, taste very much the same, with the primary difference being the color of apricot from yellow to deep orange, and size.  Although apricot trees typically thrive in a slightly more southern climate, they do well in New Jersey, a slightly cooler climate. The fruiting season is from early May through the fall.

  • Apricots grow best in full sun and in soil that drains well.
  • Apricots are also self pollinating so only one plant is needed to produce fruit.
  • Most varieties only grow to about 15 feet tall and will produce fruit for about 20 years. The tree itself can live to 40 years.
  • Apricots are quick to ‘wake’ up after winter.
  • Some years, their buds can be damaged by a sudden late frost.
  • Apricots can be eaten fresh, dried, canned or used in jam.

Precision Tree of NJ can help you find the correct placement for your trees to flourish and provide your family with fruit for years to come. Precision can also help with maintaining the health of your trees and all your landscaping needs.

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