Knowledgebase
Recommended trees for Fort Collins #753762
Asked June 03, 2021, 1:18 PM EDT
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Reb,
While peaches can be hardy trees, the fruit is inconsistent. You may get peaches once every 3-7 years, depending on the spring. If you want to try peaches, consider the following: Elberta, Haven, Polly, Reliance, Hale Haven and Ranger.
Is your lawn watered regularly? Maintained as a "typical" lawn?
If so, then I would avoid more of the waterwise/xeric plantings. Both Hot Wings and hawthorns are smaller, so I'm assuming you want a smaller ornamental tree (not a shade tree). Consider: redbud, Japanese tree lilac, Pekin lilac, serviceberry, Ohio buckeye, crabapples, goldenraintree (likes lower moisture), or Sucker Punch chokecherry.
Thank you so much. Are there fruit trees you would recommend for the front range? We have 2 smaller apple trees already.
Hi again,
Apples and plums are the most consistent fruit producers. If you want plums, consider: Stanley, Green Gage, Blue Damson or Waneta. For the most part, plums need a cross pollination buddy.
You could also try pears: Magness, Ayers and Honey Sweet are fire blight resistant varieties.
This is where you can do some research to determine which plums you want to plant...it will depend on your fresh eating preferences and if you plan to preserve the fruits. You will want to plant either two Japanese plum types or two European plum types, as Japanese and European will not cross-pollinate with each other.
European types include Stanley, Green Gage, and Blue Damson. Japanese types that do well here are Waneta and Sapalta. There are nuances among the fruit that you can investigate. You may also consider contacting a nursery to see what they've ordered or what they'll have in stock this spring, if you're buying the trees locally.
