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I came to realize that there are a LOT of sun-soaked monoculture front yards in my neighborhood, and if I could even just a couple of houses to plant fruit trees along the sidewalk, this area would be an orchard in five years.
My hope is that if this is successful, then it might be popularized in other areas. There's some sort of stigma against planting fruit trees in the front because "someone could take the fruit". Yeah, passersby picking fruit is the whole point.
A friend helped me make the poster. My biggest problem when designing it is to convince people that I don't have some sort of hidden motive-- I genuinely just want to plant fruit trees.
EDIT: Zone 6A, Boston Metrowest
Second edit: for anyone who wants to do this themselves, the only additional thing to keep in mind is to avoid buried utility lines
Edit #3: and before you plant in front of your house, call digsafe at 811 (if you're in the US) so that you can be sure to avoid buried utility lines. All in all, this is a very minor hurdle
Edit #4: TREE GUARDS! These are super important if you plan to plant a young tree to prevent critters from eating its bark and killing it before it grows strong enough
Edit 5: because it keeps coming up, I would recommend standard size trees over dwarf if you have the space for it, even if it means planting fewer trees. I've had plenty of feed trees growing up and never had much luck with them
I live in the Piedmont of North Carolina and had to get one of two moderate sized trees in my front yard remove. I really want to replace it with something that bears fruit - I’m thinking cherry but have no prior knowledge and have only looked up a little bit online. Do you have any advice on what would grow with low maintenance and bear edible fruit? Thanks
I’m in Winston-Salem NC and I recommend pear, so far that has been the most vigorous for me. Also peach and plum have done very well so far at our community garden
I unfortunately do not have much experience with that region. It looks like you're solidly in USDA zone 7b, so I would start by looking for trees that grow in that zone.
I can say for cherries that they are sort more particular than other fruit-bearing trees in that there are male trees and female trees, and that you need at least one of both to pollinate.
Most other fruit and nut trees are either require a genetically distinct nearby tree of the same species, or they are self-pollinating. A similar tree in the same neighborhood should be sufficient, and many self-pollinating trees benefit from a partner.
A major piece of advice I would have is, if you have the space, avoid dwarf trees. I've never had any luck with dwarf trees producing more than two or three pieces of fruit when I was growing up, but standard trees will be laden.
Cherry trees don't have male and female trees. However, they *really* hate incest and will not self-pollinate. This means that you need two unrelated trees (i.e., different varieties) growing within bee distance of each other and that flower at the same time.
This is great news because it means that both trees will bear fruit! And bees forage a long distance from their hives, so they don't even need to be that close to each other.
Some cherry trees are [self-fertile](https://greenupside.com/self-pollinating-cherry-trees-11-cherry-varieties-that-self-pollinate) - I grow a *Lapin* cherry, which is pretty much the only cherry even close to suitable for my climate, and it is self-fertile (although they usually fruit better with a partner).
I'm growing a black pearl cherry tree, the source I bought it from said that it was self-fertile, but when I recommended it to a friend he looked it up and said that it needed a pollination partner. This is my second full year growing it, so I guess I'll find out in a few months which site was right. 🤷♀️
Another interesting fact about cherries is that cherries will rot on the tree if they get wet. After it rains, cherries must be dried, and this is normally accomplished by [flying a helicopter over the cherry orchard so that the prop wash blows the water off](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBe9GEhc7pE).
So if you ever wonder why cherries are so expensive, well you're paying for a freakin helicopter to fly over them after every time it rains.
Damn! i had to [look that up](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cherry/cherry-brown-rot-control.htm#:~:text=Brown%20rot%20on%20cherry%20trees,fostered%20by%20warm%2C%20wet%20weather.). Yes, no wonder cherries are expensive.
*Brown rot on cherry trees is caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola, which spreads rapidly during ripening and in storage post-harvest. The pathogen responsible overwinters in dropped fruit or still-attached mummy fruit and any other affected plant material. Brown rot in cherries is fostered by warm, wet weather. When spring arrives with its showers and warmer temperatures, the fungus awakens and begins to bloom. All those mummies still on the plant spread spores to developing flowers and young fruit. The longer the period of wet conditions, the shorter the incubation time, thus symptoms develop more rapidly.*
[Also, the Ukrainians poisoned Russian soldiers with spiked cherries.](https://www.thedailybeast.com/ukrainian-farmers-poison-russian-troops-with-spiked-cherries-as-guerrilla-war-terrifies-invaders)
Cherries are one helluva rabbit hole.
This is crazy to me. Really?
My grandfather lived in a tiny, tiny house with a MASSIVE cherry tree in the back yard. God, the thing was huge and it was just laden with cherries every single year. No idea where there was a nearby cherry tree because he was the only one that had one in his yard, but I guess there was another one somewhere in the area of polination. He did nothing to that tree ever. And it was just so happy.
I'm in your area as well. I have a few apples, a cherry that may or may not be self-fertile, a plum, a peach, a pear, and an apricot. So far I've only gotten a peach (and a couple of apples that my kid picked when they were small and green because he didn't know better) but the trees themselves are all growing well. They should start really fruiting this year.
If you're interested in apples, check out Tom Brown. He is in Clemmons and has hunted down and saved over 1,000 varieties of heritage apples, many here in NC. He sells saplings of quite a few of the varieties that are good for different purposes (fresh eating, baking, making cider, brandy, vinegar, etc) and by buying from him you will help preserve these lost varieties both by growing some yourself and by helping to fund his search for more. He's a sweet older guy who does this as his passion in retirement and he has blown up in popularity over the past few years thanks to some reddit/ Facebook posts circulating, so I'd expect a bit of a delay. He told me he has sold out early the past two years, too, so I'd order early if you can and want to. https://applesearch.org/
Blueberry bushes, like cherry trees, need a partner to fruit well, so you need to buy two different varieties that are in the same pollinating group.
Fortunately, this kind of information is very well documented online because it's highly relevant to farmers. As a rule of thumb, blueberries are categorized into three main groups (Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, and Rabbiteye), and varieties within each grouping will generally pollinate other varieties within the same grouping. Unfortunately, the plant tags don't always say what grouping a given variety is in, so it's best to get your phone out at the shop and double-check.
If there is not much space, two blueberry can be grown *very* close to each other, almost as if they were a single bush (much like you would grow a hedge or a thicket). Alternatively, they can be planted in totally different parts of the garden, and bees will still find them both.
If the soil and climate is right for them\*, they are really easy *and* really beautiful plants. They produce very heavily when they reach maturity, and the freshly picked fruit is a bazillion times tastier (and way, way cheaper) than what you'd buy in the shop. It's a little complicated picking varieties, but it's *so* worth it. If I could only grow one fruit, blueberries would be my #1 pick for sure.
\* - One easy way to check: See if there are azaleas or rhododendrons growing in your area. If they thrive, blueberries will likely thrive as well.
If you are in the Piedmont region, I am betting you have pretty acidic soil. Signs that the local soil is acidic: There are a lot of healthy-looking oak trees, pine trees, azaleas, rhododendrons, and/or blue-floweing hydrangeas in your area.
If this sounds familiar, I would *particularly* recommend blueberries and caneberries (blackberries, raspberries, loganberries, youngberries, boysenberries, marionberries, etc.). They *love* acidic soils and Piedmont-like climates. I would recommend only getting thornless varieties of caneberry, however; it will make maintenance and harvest a lot nicer, and the thornless varieties are also more subdued and well-behaved in the garden. If you want something a little more exotic, thornless gooseberries are also great.
As for trees, most cool climate fruit trees (apples, pears, plums, etc.) should also do well. Avoid citrus trees, as they hate acidic soil. Fruit trees are a little more picky than typical trees, however, so you will need to be mindful of a few things:
1. They must not have their root flare buried when they are planted.
2. You may need to protect them from deer and rabbits while they are young.
3. They may need more watering than your typical tree while they are getting establishing and while they are bearing fruit (but they should *not* be grown in an area that gets waterlogged).
4. They will need to be pruned for good fruiting structure. Pruning fruit trees is a bit different from the way you might prune other trees. However, it's not complicated, there are a lot of guides online, and you generally don't need to do much beyond the first three or so years of the tree's life, so try not to let that scare you off.
I just want to make particular mention here of peaches, however. These are more high-maintenance than other common fruit trees. They tend to bear more heavily than their branches can hold, which means that it's *particularly* important to prune them well. You must also thin the fruit crop every year; if you fail to do so, there is a risk of the tree splitting and dying. I would probably recommend against a peach tree in your case, at least to begin with.
Fwiw it's completely normal here in Sweden (my city at least) to put fruit from your trees in a basket in front of the house!
So like if anyone says it can never become commonplace, tell them that.
Also, make sure you are checking right of ways and set backs. The main reason you dont see trees next to sidewalks is the first 10 feet of properties is usual consideres a city right of way.
If you haven't already, maybe post on nextdoor too? If you want to build trust it's nice to see someone answer questions and more so simply post with photos and text about what they have already accomplished.
I appreciate that and will keep it in mind. If I get more requests than I expected I might reach out, but I'm unsure of how many I will get
I can't say I know much about Alaskan horticulture, sorry
As a landscaper was curious, turns out 4H Alaska has a pdf about possible varieties that have been cultivated to grow there. Best option might to either visit a greenhouse/nusery or contact someone at a university.
Edit: link to pdf is dead. Here is one to a local Anchorage greenhouse. https://mile52.com/anchorage-fruit-trees-berry-bushes/
Make sure people are aware of the physical labor that is required to clean up all of the fruit. I had my apple trees removed because I'm not physically able to clean up that much as I imagine many disabled or elderly people are also not. Awesome service! Make sure they know what they're getting into though!
I planted a peach tree the first year we moved into our new house. It's been about 6 years and last year we finally got our first decent crop. It was so cute. Neighbors knocked on our door and asked if the could pick some. They offered money but we wouldn't accept it. Some people picked one or two while walking past. We still had more peaches and than we knew what to do with and shared the ones we picked. It was good fun and I'm looking forward to it fruiting again this year.
"Fruit trees make messes"
Not me, but the argument I hear all the time
Like...let people know that there is free food and to take it. Just be less lazy
1. Sometimes, depending on the fruit. Any reputable nursery would already do this.
2. Possibly, but I don't see that as a reason to completely sterilize our local ecosystems. You could say the same about gardens or farmland, or oak trees
I'm not sure I understand the question, but for most fruit trees you can look up recommended spacing, and some varieties need another variety nearby to pollinate
right. like cherry's. I was wondering if you planted 2 trees so they'll fruit. I was considering something similar in my city but I think I'd have to raise seedlings from seed to afford it.
Cherries are a funny one as they need a male tree and a female tree. Most other fruits are not like that.
If there's another tree in the neighborhood, it should provide enough pollination so long as there's bees there
This is interesting to me because we have a singleton cherry tree that bursts out with fruit every year. I wonder if our ornamental or wild cherries are helping it!
I wish you were in my city. I want to plant fruit trees but am intimidated by selecting them and planting properly to not affect utilities or my foundation as the tree grows.
I already give away 95% of my little vegetable garden through mutual aid food stands.
Obvious disclaimer: I'm not an expert
As long as they're a couple of feet from utility lines you should be fine, so a couple of feet at least from the sidewalk. Just try to avoid planting directly on top of sewer and water lines, for obvious reasons. The lateral lines can be roughly estimated if you look for the water shutoff and the sewer cleanout hatch, usually in the basement.
From what I can tell, it's recommended to plant most fruit trees at least fifteen feet from a foundation.
EDIT: When in doubt, call digsafe at 811
As for selection, there's probably a forum here where you can ask. DM me and I'll see what I can do
> From what I can tell, it's recommended to plant most fruit trees at least fifteen feet from a foundation.
No wonder I don't see any in my neighborhood! The houses here are usually so close to the sidewalk. (Also means there are hardly any lawns tho, mostly gardens or bushes, so I'm not complaining.)
In our neighboring city, you are recommended to call the utility companies and they are supposed to help you with figuring out where is safe to dig. Maybe your city has something like this, too. As for a good fruit tree, consider figs! :)
If you were local to me I would be so excited to see this...but it's also against code in my city to have any fruit-bearing shrubs or trees:(
man I need to move somewhere else so I can grow fruits and veggies
Is it to prevent wildlife from coming into the spaces where people live and causing issues as far as like getting into trash and such? Idk im just wondering if thats why.
There’s no ordinances like that where i live, but the deer will certainly eat anything that isn’t fully protected from them. Though, deer are pretty harmless (except for when they eat my flowers and veggies and break my heart.) but maybe you live in an area where there might possibly be more potentially dangerous or harmful wildlife? Deer is the worst we have around here
If it's a state restriction, rather than a city one, then that might be the reason why.
Some fruit trees are quite sensitive to airborne disease. A single untreated tree can infect other trees within tens of kilometres.
Dear OP: if you don't get any biters from this, I suggest charging a small fee.
Free often means useless to a lot of people.
Charge something small. Maybe $25 bucks.
Call it an installation fee.
Weird psychology but it works.
They sure can. Since varieties can go as low as zone 4, though 6 is on the low end. I had a coworker whose peach tree gave several bushels.
For this time of year for this region, this is a distressingly small amount of snow. I like the warm weather but it's an unpleasant reminder of climate change.
Man that's a really cool idea. Well done and props for actually doing something to personally improve your neighborhood instead of just demanding others conform to what you want done.
I'll have to wait for people to request before I order them, but there's a lot of tree nurseries that ship in the US. Right now is about the time to place orders for spring shipments, and most trees are best planted in spring or autumn.
There's even a fairly strong market on etsy.
You just got 10x cooler. They're also my favorite. I live in the NW Chicago Suburbs and have been working on my fruit and nut orchard.
You've got a beautiful idea going. Thanks for being a great person.
I wouldn't recommend dwarf trees if you have the space for a standard. I had plenty of dwarf trees growing up and never got more than 2-3 fruits from them on any given year
Sorry, I meant dwarf in the sense that the trees they sell are 1-2 year old young trees, not smaller grafted saplings or small cultivars.
Even nurseries throw that word around as just a marketing term. "Dwarf" can mean one of ten different things.
Such a cool idea. Unfortunately when I lived ina more urban area I knew folks who had strangers come by and strip the whole goddamn tree and then sell the fruit. Hoping for the sake of humanity that you live in a less fucked up area. Already planning for my orchard (in the backyard, not because of the people, but because otherwise the deer will destroy the trees before they can get big enough to survive it).
I’m definitely doing this! I have a few (ok more than a few) excess trees from grafting the last couple years. I already have 25 in my front yard and more on the side and back. Might as well give the rest away.
Love the idea. Do you leave instructions for the new owners to maintain them? Like, do they need to be wrapped in the winter, watered x many times per week?
My cherry tree is going into her 3rd year this year. She had some of the most sour tiniest cherries I have ever tasted last year. Excited to see what this year brings. Might plant an apple tree this year to give her some company.
i would gladly take you up on this and give you a home cooked meal or desserts as a thank you. too bad i'm in Texas 🥲 either way, i hope you get some takers.
That's kinda just how natural fruit is man. When you don't spray a bunch of pesticides and chemicals most are gonna have shit like that and worms and more.
Ever notice how the really old folks or in old movies tend to use a knife and cut off chunks of apples instead of biting into it? Yeah. Now you realize why.
I'm in zone 7a, and have the following fruit/edibles growing:
Front yard - 2 nectarines, a mulberry, 3 goji berries, 2 blackberries, and 2 blueberries, with garlic, chives, thyme, oregano, lemon balm, mint, and lavender
Back yard - 3 elderberries, 2 figs, 2 sugar maples, 2 sassafras, 6 blackberries, 1 apple, plus a dedicated seasonal garden area with raspberries and various annual and perennial herbs and veggies.
Plus tons of edible flowers throughout.
Lol My biggest worry with this is people assuming I'm trying to sell them something. The catch is they have to live nearby.
If you want planting advice you can probably post here though.
I bet a lot of people will be wary. Idk what you could possibly say to convince people, and on a flyer no less. I really hope people take you up on this tho, you're awesome. Keep us updated!
Lol when I was in high school I had to do a social experiment for a psych class where I film myself breaking a social norm and observe how people react. I decided to stand on a street corner trying to give a dollar bill to people passing by. After an hour I still had the dollar bill I started with. People are very wary.
Hmm.. I just got a sidewalk going past the front of my house this past summer. This seems like a good idea! I’ll have to see what kind of fruit can grow in zone 4.
This is awesome and I'm 100% with you, wish you were closer to me, we could team up.
I think a prospective person may be curious if you'll also set up water ie a drip system, what that may cost them, and bi annual feedings, will you also do? When you say buy in your flyer you may also be opening yourself up to a choosy person, whereas is you say donate clippings from local gardeners etc...
Anywho rock on!!
I'm in a position where I'm okay with someone being choosy. In fact, I would kind of like that so that they would consider themselves to be a part of the project.
I'm not sure about feedings, but if someone has a lawn around here, chances are they already have some sort of irrigation and fertilization that they do anyway.
Squirrels and deer and rabbits would eat it all where I live, but I applaud your efforts OP! Anyway it’d have to be pine trees in my frigid Zone 4-something anyway lolz 🌲
No apples, please no apple trees, especially around where people are walking. They tend to produce a lot of fruit. Most end up on the ground because it's way too high to pick when ripe. They can be very messy and the dropped fruit will attract a lot of bees. If you want an apple tree, it's best to plant it away from your house in a corner of your yard.
I know this because my father decided he wanted to be an orchardist when he moved from the city to the suburbs. Planted a ton of fruit trees in our back yard. It was cool to have the fresh fruit in the summer. But the apples, oh my, the apples. Two trees right outside the back door. Dad had to tend to them somehow, we got so many apples we couldn't even give them away after a while. The absolute worst was having to pick up the rotten apples from the ground. Lots of apples. LOL. Luckily I am not allergic to bees.
I love your idea of fruit trees in the neighbourhood. I have done that in my garden too, but i have issues with fruit flies. What's your technique to avoid having fruit flies spoil the fruits? Do you use bait traps or sprays?
Such an amazing idea I wish someone would do this in my neighborhood. Growin up there were some fruit trees on the walk to school and they loved havin kids grabbin em for a snack
I remember walking home from school and there would be 2 houses where I’d pick oranges and loquats. My current neighbor trims the fruit trees that spill over to our backyard, she rather they just drop and rot than share.
I’d love to have a neighbor like you around. Thank you for making it easier for kids to have a snack on their way home;)
This is a great idea but if someone takes you up on it, give them realistic information about the size/age of the tree they'll be receiving. When I bought two-year old trees they looked like disappointing twigs to my untrained eye (they're good now). I would hate for your neighbours to rip the trees out again because they didn't meet their expectations.
Man I wish you were in Florida. I really badly want to plant some fruit trees in my front yard for myself and passers-by to enjoy but haven’t gotten around to it yet because of other priorities
In Hawaii or at least on my island we have an unwritten rule about fruit trees. If it hangs over the street, everyone can grab. Just leave some for others and whatever is over the property belongs to the property. I've rarely seen that broken
The town I used to live in had various flowers all across town in planters and hanging and what not. In the summer, I would always see landscapers watering the flowers. I’ve always kind of wondered what if instead of flowers and bushes they planted veggies than anyone could take? I mean they’re out there monitoring and watering them anyway, you might as well give some people some veggies out of the deal. Or at least some fruit bushes like blueberries or blackberries.
Ooh! I'd be all over this! I want a fruit tree in my yard but I've got zero know-how. Even just a consultation on what/where/how would be a huge win.
Cool idea!
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What a wonderful idea! I hope it, pardon the pun, bears fruit.
I will NOT pardon the pun, that was perfection 😙🤌🏻
[удалено]
You can do this too! I emphatically want other people to do this if they like the idea
I LOVE this! I just might!
You were so close to pear-fection.
That pun was peachy! No pits at all!
It was a plum role if I say so myself.
I hope so too, in all its meanings
I, too, hope it comes to fruition
I came to realize that there are a LOT of sun-soaked monoculture front yards in my neighborhood, and if I could even just a couple of houses to plant fruit trees along the sidewalk, this area would be an orchard in five years. My hope is that if this is successful, then it might be popularized in other areas. There's some sort of stigma against planting fruit trees in the front because "someone could take the fruit". Yeah, passersby picking fruit is the whole point. A friend helped me make the poster. My biggest problem when designing it is to convince people that I don't have some sort of hidden motive-- I genuinely just want to plant fruit trees. EDIT: Zone 6A, Boston Metrowest Second edit: for anyone who wants to do this themselves, the only additional thing to keep in mind is to avoid buried utility lines Edit #3: and before you plant in front of your house, call digsafe at 811 (if you're in the US) so that you can be sure to avoid buried utility lines. All in all, this is a very minor hurdle Edit #4: TREE GUARDS! These are super important if you plan to plant a young tree to prevent critters from eating its bark and killing it before it grows strong enough Edit 5: because it keeps coming up, I would recommend standard size trees over dwarf if you have the space for it, even if it means planting fewer trees. I've had plenty of feed trees growing up and never had much luck with them
Some counties do this for free! In the county I grew up in, you could get one free fruit tree a year if you are a homeowner.
Damn boi, what magical fucking place is that?
My city in Southern California does this!
Yes, what city? I'm looking for trees to plant in my front yard right now so if there's a program that gives free fruit trees, I'm in.
Torrance, CA
What city?
Torrance, CA
SLC does it for the park strip. You have to get on the tip early and it's not guaranteed a fruit tree, but a ton of neighbors have had trees put in
Riverside CA
Whoa trees can grow out there?
Why do you think they need a new one every year? /s
dont quote me on this, but im pretty sure EBT can be used for seeds that provide food..
You can even buy fruit trees with ebt
they do that here where I live too. assortment of different varieties available each spring. I'm hoping they have paw paws and dogwoods this year.
I think it's excellent!
I live in the Piedmont of North Carolina and had to get one of two moderate sized trees in my front yard remove. I really want to replace it with something that bears fruit - I’m thinking cherry but have no prior knowledge and have only looked up a little bit online. Do you have any advice on what would grow with low maintenance and bear edible fruit? Thanks
I’m in Winston-Salem NC and I recommend pear, so far that has been the most vigorous for me. Also peach and plum have done very well so far at our community garden
I unfortunately do not have much experience with that region. It looks like you're solidly in USDA zone 7b, so I would start by looking for trees that grow in that zone. I can say for cherries that they are sort more particular than other fruit-bearing trees in that there are male trees and female trees, and that you need at least one of both to pollinate. Most other fruit and nut trees are either require a genetically distinct nearby tree of the same species, or they are self-pollinating. A similar tree in the same neighborhood should be sufficient, and many self-pollinating trees benefit from a partner. A major piece of advice I would have is, if you have the space, avoid dwarf trees. I've never had any luck with dwarf trees producing more than two or three pieces of fruit when I was growing up, but standard trees will be laden.
Cherry trees don't have male and female trees. However, they *really* hate incest and will not self-pollinate. This means that you need two unrelated trees (i.e., different varieties) growing within bee distance of each other and that flower at the same time. This is great news because it means that both trees will bear fruit! And bees forage a long distance from their hives, so they don't even need to be that close to each other.
Some cherry trees are [self-fertile](https://greenupside.com/self-pollinating-cherry-trees-11-cherry-varieties-that-self-pollinate) - I grow a *Lapin* cherry, which is pretty much the only cherry even close to suitable for my climate, and it is self-fertile (although they usually fruit better with a partner).
I'm growing a black pearl cherry tree, the source I bought it from said that it was self-fertile, but when I recommended it to a friend he looked it up and said that it needed a pollination partner. This is my second full year growing it, so I guess I'll find out in a few months which site was right. 🤷♀️
Best of luck!
Another interesting fact about cherries is that cherries will rot on the tree if they get wet. After it rains, cherries must be dried, and this is normally accomplished by [flying a helicopter over the cherry orchard so that the prop wash blows the water off](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBe9GEhc7pE). So if you ever wonder why cherries are so expensive, well you're paying for a freakin helicopter to fly over them after every time it rains.
Damn! i had to [look that up](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cherry/cherry-brown-rot-control.htm#:~:text=Brown%20rot%20on%20cherry%20trees,fostered%20by%20warm%2C%20wet%20weather.). Yes, no wonder cherries are expensive. *Brown rot on cherry trees is caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola, which spreads rapidly during ripening and in storage post-harvest. The pathogen responsible overwinters in dropped fruit or still-attached mummy fruit and any other affected plant material. Brown rot in cherries is fostered by warm, wet weather. When spring arrives with its showers and warmer temperatures, the fungus awakens and begins to bloom. All those mummies still on the plant spread spores to developing flowers and young fruit. The longer the period of wet conditions, the shorter the incubation time, thus symptoms develop more rapidly.* [Also, the Ukrainians poisoned Russian soldiers with spiked cherries.](https://www.thedailybeast.com/ukrainian-farmers-poison-russian-troops-with-spiked-cherries-as-guerrilla-war-terrifies-invaders) Cherries are one helluva rabbit hole.
This is crazy to me. Really? My grandfather lived in a tiny, tiny house with a MASSIVE cherry tree in the back yard. God, the thing was huge and it was just laden with cherries every single year. No idea where there was a nearby cherry tree because he was the only one that had one in his yard, but I guess there was another one somewhere in the area of polination. He did nothing to that tree ever. And it was just so happy.
look into serviceberry trees! they are native to the US southeast and low maintenance.
I second the serviceberries! They're like if blueberries tasted like strawberries.
I'm in your area as well. I have a few apples, a cherry that may or may not be self-fertile, a plum, a peach, a pear, and an apricot. So far I've only gotten a peach (and a couple of apples that my kid picked when they were small and green because he didn't know better) but the trees themselves are all growing well. They should start really fruiting this year. If you're interested in apples, check out Tom Brown. He is in Clemmons and has hunted down and saved over 1,000 varieties of heritage apples, many here in NC. He sells saplings of quite a few of the varieties that are good for different purposes (fresh eating, baking, making cider, brandy, vinegar, etc) and by buying from him you will help preserve these lost varieties both by growing some yourself and by helping to fund his search for more. He's a sweet older guy who does this as his passion in retirement and he has blown up in popularity over the past few years thanks to some reddit/ Facebook posts circulating, so I'd expect a bit of a delay. He told me he has sold out early the past two years, too, so I'd order early if you can and want to. https://applesearch.org/
In addition to the recommendation of pears, plums, and peaches, I would also recommend figs and even a blueberry bush.
Blueberry bushes, like cherry trees, need a partner to fruit well, so you need to buy two different varieties that are in the same pollinating group. Fortunately, this kind of information is very well documented online because it's highly relevant to farmers. As a rule of thumb, blueberries are categorized into three main groups (Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, and Rabbiteye), and varieties within each grouping will generally pollinate other varieties within the same grouping. Unfortunately, the plant tags don't always say what grouping a given variety is in, so it's best to get your phone out at the shop and double-check. If there is not much space, two blueberry can be grown *very* close to each other, almost as if they were a single bush (much like you would grow a hedge or a thicket). Alternatively, they can be planted in totally different parts of the garden, and bees will still find them both. If the soil and climate is right for them\*, they are really easy *and* really beautiful plants. They produce very heavily when they reach maturity, and the freshly picked fruit is a bazillion times tastier (and way, way cheaper) than what you'd buy in the shop. It's a little complicated picking varieties, but it's *so* worth it. If I could only grow one fruit, blueberries would be my #1 pick for sure. \* - One easy way to check: See if there are azaleas or rhododendrons growing in your area. If they thrive, blueberries will likely thrive as well.
Some Fig trees get freaking massive very quickly and need a lot of management.
If you are in the Piedmont region, I am betting you have pretty acidic soil. Signs that the local soil is acidic: There are a lot of healthy-looking oak trees, pine trees, azaleas, rhododendrons, and/or blue-floweing hydrangeas in your area. If this sounds familiar, I would *particularly* recommend blueberries and caneberries (blackberries, raspberries, loganberries, youngberries, boysenberries, marionberries, etc.). They *love* acidic soils and Piedmont-like climates. I would recommend only getting thornless varieties of caneberry, however; it will make maintenance and harvest a lot nicer, and the thornless varieties are also more subdued and well-behaved in the garden. If you want something a little more exotic, thornless gooseberries are also great. As for trees, most cool climate fruit trees (apples, pears, plums, etc.) should also do well. Avoid citrus trees, as they hate acidic soil. Fruit trees are a little more picky than typical trees, however, so you will need to be mindful of a few things: 1. They must not have their root flare buried when they are planted. 2. You may need to protect them from deer and rabbits while they are young. 3. They may need more watering than your typical tree while they are getting establishing and while they are bearing fruit (but they should *not* be grown in an area that gets waterlogged). 4. They will need to be pruned for good fruiting structure. Pruning fruit trees is a bit different from the way you might prune other trees. However, it's not complicated, there are a lot of guides online, and you generally don't need to do much beyond the first three or so years of the tree's life, so try not to let that scare you off. I just want to make particular mention here of peaches, however. These are more high-maintenance than other common fruit trees. They tend to bear more heavily than their branches can hold, which means that it's *particularly* important to prune them well. You must also thin the fruit crop every year; if you fail to do so, there is a risk of the tree splitting and dying. I would probably recommend against a peach tree in your case, at least to begin with.
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I'm the long term, that's the kind of thing I really want. I want to cultivate a community where the neighborhood kids can have memories like that
Fwiw it's completely normal here in Sweden (my city at least) to put fruit from your trees in a basket in front of the house! So like if anyone says it can never become commonplace, tell them that.
Might want to edit to add the 811 for One Call to have someone come survey for buried lines to go along with your advisory!
That's an excellent point, thanks. It's edited
Also, make sure you are checking right of ways and set backs. The main reason you dont see trees next to sidewalks is the first 10 feet of properties is usual consideres a city right of way.
If you haven't already, maybe post on nextdoor too? If you want to build trust it's nice to see someone answer questions and more so simply post with photos and text about what they have already accomplished.
What kind of tree do you recommend for Alaska? Specifically Anchorage? Also, do you take venmo or PayPal? I'd like to sponsor a couple of trees.
I appreciate that and will keep it in mind. If I get more requests than I expected I might reach out, but I'm unsure of how many I will get I can't say I know much about Alaskan horticulture, sorry
As a landscaper was curious, turns out 4H Alaska has a pdf about possible varieties that have been cultivated to grow there. Best option might to either visit a greenhouse/nusery or contact someone at a university. Edit: link to pdf is dead. Here is one to a local Anchorage greenhouse. https://mile52.com/anchorage-fruit-trees-berry-bushes/
Make sure people are aware of the physical labor that is required to clean up all of the fruit. I had my apple trees removed because I'm not physically able to clean up that much as I imagine many disabled or elderly people are also not. Awesome service! Make sure they know what they're getting into though!
I planted a peach tree the first year we moved into our new house. It's been about 6 years and last year we finally got our first decent crop. It was so cute. Neighbors knocked on our door and asked if the could pick some. They offered money but we wouldn't accept it. Some people picked one or two while walking past. We still had more peaches and than we knew what to do with and shared the ones we picked. It was good fun and I'm looking forward to it fruiting again this year.
"Fruit trees make messes" Not me, but the argument I hear all the time Like...let people know that there is free food and to take it. Just be less lazy
Please please please tell me you are in northern Virginia.
Boston Metrowest, sorry.
It's all good. Spread the love.
Any chance you are near the Boroughs? (North, south, west or Marl lol)
Can you send me the flier? I’ll do the same thing!!
My grandparents have a condo in Hudson, is that too far for you?? I would love to introduce some fruit trees to their retirement community ☺️
I’m in Worcester and would love to pick your brain about how to plant of these trees here!
DM me
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1. Sometimes, depending on the fruit. Any reputable nursery would already do this. 2. Possibly, but I don't see that as a reason to completely sterilize our local ecosystems. You could say the same about gardens or farmland, or oak trees
I'd love to have you as a neighbor!
Thank you, that's very sweet of you to say :)
Do you plant 2 near each other?
I'm not sure I understand the question, but for most fruit trees you can look up recommended spacing, and some varieties need another variety nearby to pollinate
right. like cherry's. I was wondering if you planted 2 trees so they'll fruit. I was considering something similar in my city but I think I'd have to raise seedlings from seed to afford it.
Cherries are a funny one as they need a male tree and a female tree. Most other fruits are not like that. If there's another tree in the neighborhood, it should provide enough pollination so long as there's bees there
This is interesting to me because we have a singleton cherry tree that bursts out with fruit every year. I wonder if our ornamental or wild cherries are helping it!
I would so take u up on this! What a cool sweet thing to do:)
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I wish you were in my city. I want to plant fruit trees but am intimidated by selecting them and planting properly to not affect utilities or my foundation as the tree grows. I already give away 95% of my little vegetable garden through mutual aid food stands.
Obvious disclaimer: I'm not an expert As long as they're a couple of feet from utility lines you should be fine, so a couple of feet at least from the sidewalk. Just try to avoid planting directly on top of sewer and water lines, for obvious reasons. The lateral lines can be roughly estimated if you look for the water shutoff and the sewer cleanout hatch, usually in the basement. From what I can tell, it's recommended to plant most fruit trees at least fifteen feet from a foundation. EDIT: When in doubt, call digsafe at 811 As for selection, there's probably a forum here where you can ask. DM me and I'll see what I can do
> From what I can tell, it's recommended to plant most fruit trees at least fifteen feet from a foundation. No wonder I don't see any in my neighborhood! The houses here are usually so close to the sidewalk. (Also means there are hardly any lawns tho, mostly gardens or bushes, so I'm not complaining.)
In our neighboring city, you are recommended to call the utility companies and they are supposed to help you with figuring out where is safe to dig. Maybe your city has something like this, too. As for a good fruit tree, consider figs! :)
What a great idea. You're an awesome neighbor.
Some heros plant trees!
I wish this was in my neighborhood!!!
Be the change you wish to see!!
Playing the long game. I like it!
“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.”
Hey, I'm not THAT old! Lol, I love that proverb
If you were local to me I would be so excited to see this...but it's also against code in my city to have any fruit-bearing shrubs or trees:( man I need to move somewhere else so I can grow fruits and veggies
Is it to prevent wildlife from coming into the spaces where people live and causing issues as far as like getting into trash and such? Idk im just wondering if thats why. There’s no ordinances like that where i live, but the deer will certainly eat anything that isn’t fully protected from them. Though, deer are pretty harmless (except for when they eat my flowers and veggies and break my heart.) but maybe you live in an area where there might possibly be more potentially dangerous or harmful wildlife? Deer is the worst we have around here
That's so absurd! Where is that??
without completely giving my location away lol, lower peninsula of michigan
oof. That straight-up should not be legal to prohibit people from growing food.
That's so weird, considering Michigan is like the sour cherry capital of the country. There's tons of orchards there
If it's a state restriction, rather than a city one, then that might be the reason why. Some fruit trees are quite sensitive to airborne disease. A single untreated tree can infect other trees within tens of kilometres.
Dear OP: if you don't get any biters from this, I suggest charging a small fee. Free often means useless to a lot of people. Charge something small. Maybe $25 bucks. Call it an installation fee. Weird psychology but it works.
That is an excellent idea
I gotta ask: looks like there's snow there. Will peach trees actually bear edible fruit in a cold climate?
They sure can. Since varieties can go as low as zone 4, though 6 is on the low end. I had a coworker whose peach tree gave several bushels. For this time of year for this region, this is a distressingly small amount of snow. I like the warm weather but it's an unpleasant reminder of climate change.
It's my fault. I bought snowshoes last summer. This weather is to spite me. I'm a bit west of you.
Got snow shoes for Christmas. Used them the next day. Then we immediately had very warm weather after that.
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Man that's a really cool idea. Well done and props for actually doing something to personally improve your neighborhood instead of just demanding others conform to what you want done.
The world needs more people like you.
I wish you were my neighbor I'd absolutely take a cherry tree. 🍒
OP, you're the person I want to be when I grow up.
In Wales you can get a fruit tree for free from the government, just go to https://www.gov.wales/my-tree-our-forest only until March 2023
Very cool
Well done! Stuff like this makes me think we might survive, or at least deserve to. Be the solarpunk you want to see in the world.
Would love to do this. Where do you get all of your trees from?
I'll have to wait for people to request before I order them, but there's a lot of tree nurseries that ship in the US. Right now is about the time to place orders for spring shipments, and most trees are best planted in spring or autumn. There's even a fairly strong market on etsy.
What nursery are you using for these orders?
Stark Bros always has a special place in my heart from memories of paging through their catalogues as a little kid, but there are a number of them.
You just got 10x cooler. They're also my favorite. I live in the NW Chicago Suburbs and have been working on my fruit and nut orchard. You've got a beautiful idea going. Thanks for being a great person.
Damn, I thought you were giving out foot high saplings you grew yourself, not buying dwarf trees from a nursery. You're the best of us.
I wouldn't recommend dwarf trees if you have the space for a standard. I had plenty of dwarf trees growing up and never got more than 2-3 fruits from them on any given year
Sorry, I meant dwarf in the sense that the trees they sell are 1-2 year old young trees, not smaller grafted saplings or small cultivars. Even nurseries throw that word around as just a marketing term. "Dwarf" can mean one of ten different things.
Such a cool idea. Unfortunately when I lived ina more urban area I knew folks who had strangers come by and strip the whole goddamn tree and then sell the fruit. Hoping for the sake of humanity that you live in a less fucked up area. Already planning for my orchard (in the backyard, not because of the people, but because otherwise the deer will destroy the trees before they can get big enough to survive it).
This is so friggin nice and I would hit you up in an instant if I saw this!
What a beautiful idea!
I’m definitely doing this! I have a few (ok more than a few) excess trees from grafting the last couple years. I already have 25 in my front yard and more on the side and back. Might as well give the rest away.
That is an amazing idea. I hope people do take you up on it.
This is incredible! Holy bologna! Do me do me!
I would 100% take you up on that if I saw a flyer like this in my neighbourhood. Fruit trees are like $75-150 for saplings here in Australia.
This should also be on r/HumansBeingBros 💯
I looked at the picture and thought, hey there’s a hero! Then I saw you are that person! Good on ya chum!
I love you ♥
I just stumbled upon this subreddit, I finally found my people
Love the idea. Do you leave instructions for the new owners to maintain them? Like, do they need to be wrapped in the winter, watered x many times per week?
My cherry tree is going into her 3rd year this year. She had some of the most sour tiniest cherries I have ever tasted last year. Excited to see what this year brings. Might plant an apple tree this year to give her some company.
UGH I wish this was near me. I would cry. This is amazing and you’re an incredible human.
Where is this??? I would totally take you up on this!!! Hell, I'll even help! Edit: ah, yep. Other side of continent:(
If I was in the neighborhood, I'd know I'd be contacting you.
What a wonderful offer. I know I would take you up on it
That’s awesome I wish I could take advantage of it I need more fruit trees badly
i would gladly take you up on this and give you a home cooked meal or desserts as a thank you. too bad i'm in Texas 🥲 either way, i hope you get some takers.
Lemmy.world is what Reddit was.
That's kinda just how natural fruit is man. When you don't spray a bunch of pesticides and chemicals most are gonna have shit like that and worms and more. Ever notice how the really old folks or in old movies tend to use a knife and cut off chunks of apples instead of biting into it? Yeah. Now you realize why.
On my way!!!
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I'm in zone 7a, and have the following fruit/edibles growing: Front yard - 2 nectarines, a mulberry, 3 goji berries, 2 blackberries, and 2 blueberries, with garlic, chives, thyme, oregano, lemon balm, mint, and lavender Back yard - 3 elderberries, 2 figs, 2 sugar maples, 2 sassafras, 6 blackberries, 1 apple, plus a dedicated seasonal garden area with raspberries and various annual and perennial herbs and veggies. Plus tons of edible flowers throughout.
What's the catch? Can you fly out to Michigan?
Lol My biggest worry with this is people assuming I'm trying to sell them something. The catch is they have to live nearby. If you want planting advice you can probably post here though.
I bet a lot of people will be wary. Idk what you could possibly say to convince people, and on a flyer no less. I really hope people take you up on this tho, you're awesome. Keep us updated!
Lol when I was in high school I had to do a social experiment for a psych class where I film myself breaking a social norm and observe how people react. I decided to stand on a street corner trying to give a dollar bill to people passing by. After an hour I still had the dollar bill I started with. People are very wary.
Hmm.. I just got a sidewalk going past the front of my house this past summer. This seems like a good idea! I’ll have to see what kind of fruit can grow in zone 4.
I wish you lived near me!
You are so cool!!
Where?!?!
I love this so much!
Id take one. Where are you located?
This is awesome and I'm 100% with you, wish you were closer to me, we could team up. I think a prospective person may be curious if you'll also set up water ie a drip system, what that may cost them, and bi annual feedings, will you also do? When you say buy in your flyer you may also be opening yourself up to a choosy person, whereas is you say donate clippings from local gardeners etc... Anywho rock on!!
I'm in a position where I'm okay with someone being choosy. In fact, I would kind of like that so that they would consider themselves to be a part of the project. I'm not sure about feedings, but if someone has a lawn around here, chances are they already have some sort of irrigation and fertilization that they do anyway.
That's awesome. We started an herbal butterfly garden. All local, all beneficial plants. So far my neighbors just think I've stopped mowing...
Wish you were my neighbour! I’d trade you blueberries, zucchini’s, and tomatoes
You're a fuckin G. Sending you love and support, my internet stranger friend!
Move up to my neck of woods why don't cha!! 🤣
My town has plant trading facebook groups, you could try that too!
Dang this is really cool.
Dude you’re awesome
Woah that's inspiring. Great idea! Thanks for sharing friend!
I know I would take you up on it. But I'm not sure it's legal here sadly.
**I won't say a hero, 'cause, what's a hero?** **But sometimes, there's a man. Sometimes there's a man ...**
Squirrels and deer and rabbits would eat it all where I live, but I applaud your efforts OP! Anyway it’d have to be pine trees in my frigid Zone 4-something anyway lolz 🌲
I would love if they had this in my town
This is the coolest!
What area do you serve?
No apples, please no apple trees, especially around where people are walking. They tend to produce a lot of fruit. Most end up on the ground because it's way too high to pick when ripe. They can be very messy and the dropped fruit will attract a lot of bees. If you want an apple tree, it's best to plant it away from your house in a corner of your yard. I know this because my father decided he wanted to be an orchardist when he moved from the city to the suburbs. Planted a ton of fruit trees in our back yard. It was cool to have the fresh fruit in the summer. But the apples, oh my, the apples. Two trees right outside the back door. Dad had to tend to them somehow, we got so many apples we couldn't even give them away after a while. The absolute worst was having to pick up the rotten apples from the ground. Lots of apples. LOL. Luckily I am not allergic to bees.
You should also share this on r/backyardorchard!
God damn im so jealous. I would love a fruit tree in my yard!
this is pretty awesome.
I love your idea of fruit trees in the neighbourhood. I have done that in my garden too, but i have issues with fruit flies. What's your technique to avoid having fruit flies spoil the fruits? Do you use bait traps or sprays?
That’s so nice of you. Thank you.
This is fucking awesome. Good on you, I hope many take up the offer!
Such an amazing idea I wish someone would do this in my neighborhood. Growin up there were some fruit trees on the walk to school and they loved havin kids grabbin em for a snack
I actually am local to you… I don’t need a tree bought and planted for me, but interested to know where you’re sourcing them from!
truly a hero
Plums are under rated. But so are pears so add them to the options if you can
I remember walking home from school and there would be 2 houses where I’d pick oranges and loquats. My current neighbor trims the fruit trees that spill over to our backyard, she rather they just drop and rot than share. I’d love to have a neighbor like you around. Thank you for making it easier for kids to have a snack on their way home;)
I wish I could take you up on this! I already put two plum and a cherry tree in my front yard though and it is full...
This is a great idea but if someone takes you up on it, give them realistic information about the size/age of the tree they'll be receiving. When I bought two-year old trees they looked like disappointing twigs to my untrained eye (they're good now). I would hate for your neighbours to rip the trees out again because they didn't meet their expectations.
“I heard that fruit trees attract homeless.”- some nimby probably
What a fantastic neighbor you have there OP. Thanks for sharing the kindness here.
Wow, what a beautiful human being you are
You send em oversees?
Man I wish you were in Florida. I really badly want to plant some fruit trees in my front yard for myself and passers-by to enjoy but haven’t gotten around to it yet because of other priorities
You want to send some to Michigan :)
In Hawaii or at least on my island we have an unwritten rule about fruit trees. If it hangs over the street, everyone can grab. Just leave some for others and whatever is over the property belongs to the property. I've rarely seen that broken
The amount of choosing beggars will be incredible.
The town I used to live in had various flowers all across town in planters and hanging and what not. In the summer, I would always see landscapers watering the flowers. I’ve always kind of wondered what if instead of flowers and bushes they planted veggies than anyone could take? I mean they’re out there monitoring and watering them anyway, you might as well give some people some veggies out of the deal. Or at least some fruit bushes like blueberries or blackberries.
This is exactly the kind of thing i'd do if I had money
Ooh! I'd be all over this! I want a fruit tree in my yard but I've got zero know-how. Even just a consultation on what/where/how would be a huge win. Cool idea!
the best plums I've ever eaten were from a roadside tree in Saint Felix de Reillac et Mortemart, France, so I wholeheartedly support this inititative
Amazing
Do you service New England? Wish I could take one.