Fresh-picked, homegrown fruit is usually far better-tasting and more nutritious than the stuff we buy at the grocery store. This is the main reason people in Houston plant different varieties of fruit trees on their properties. In this article, we will be talking about the best fruit trees for Houston and the most popular fruit trees for Southeast Texas in general. Keep reading to find out more interesting facts about fruit trees and why tree services in Houston always recommend planting them!
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Fruit Trees for Houston Properties – Popular Species
1. Dewberry
Dewberry is a bush with thorns that’s closely related to blackberry. The only thing distinguishing it from blackberry is red hairs on its vines. It is extremely cold tolerant and grows up on a wood fence or crawls along the ground. For a weed, it actually has a really good fruit quality. It can grow in different types of soil, even in clay. Dewberry is harvested in late spring and is one of the more common fruit trees for Houston area.
2. Mulberry
There are three main types of mulberry – red, black, and white. Almost every tree service in Texas recommends this fruit tree since it is edible and fairly easy to grow. In addition, it is extremely cold tolerant, which is why it is suitable for cold snaps in Texas. White mulberry is more common in Asia, while the black type is one of the best fruit trees for Southeast Texas since it is suitable for planting zones 5-9.
Mulberry requires regular watering in order to prevent premature fruit drop. It prefers well-draining soil, but it can grow in almost any type.
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3. Mandarin Orange
Mandarins require relatively little maintenance and there are a few varieties that are especially cold hardy. You will have no problems with pests or diseases if you decide to plant this tree, but you can expect some complications if you don’t provide the right conditions. Leaf-miner and citrus psyllid are the primary pests that can damage mandarins.
You can deal with psyllids by planting guava trees among the citrus. Prevent leaf miners by spraying the tree with organic oils at certain times of the year. Keep in mind that your tree will die if a psyllid bites it. Also, make sure you provide a well-drained soil for a mandarin orange tree.
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4. Pomegranate
Pomegranate can do very well in Houston if you provide well-draining soil and a semi-arid environment. Bear in mind that watering this tree too much can cause fruit and flowers to drop prematurely. There is usually no reason to water it at all from winter to spring. You can help it to flower more easily by using a little phosphorus in early spring.
The downside is that the fruiting is unpredictable since you can’t control the wetness of Houston winters and spring. However, if the year is good, you will have some really tasty and healthy fruit in your garden.
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5. Blackberry
Blackberry if definitely a favorite “berry” for a lot of people. It grows like a weed, but it is actually a fruit bush. All you have to do is to plant it, water it, and wait for the fruit. Blackberries are usually harvested in early summer or late spring. Depending on the variety, blackberries can be either thorny or thornless. According to arborists, thorny species produce higher yields and higher quality berries. Bear in mind that some varieties need trellis support to grow properly.
6. Blueberry
Blueberries are very similar to blackberries in terms of maintenance. They just need a lot of watering and acid added to the soil if you’re able. This fruit tree is extremely cold tolerant and will survive cold snaps in Houston. However, if there’s no water, blueberries will probably die. Provide well-drained soil and don’t fertilize with anything that raises PH. Pine needles, peat moss, and pine mulch are all good choices for planting. Blueberries are harvested in late spring and early summer and are one of the most popular fruit trees for Southeast Texas!
7. Banana
Sometimes, bananas can be a bit difficult to maintain and care for. They lose their leaves in winter, but you have to make sure that the stem stays intact during that period. New fruit and leaves will grow from these stems in the following season, so make sure they don’t get damaged. It is not uncommon for bananas to almost completely die and then grow back the next year.
Bananas need a lot of nutrients and water, as well as well-drained soil. They belong to the 9-13 planting zone and cold is usually not an issue to them. Also, bananas grow very fast so don’t worry if yours die.
8. Peach
The peach family would be considered as one of the easiest fruit trees to grow if you shouldn’t spray it with insecticide and fungicide too often. Also, you have to look out for borers. Still, people sometimes just plant them and leave them and they still do great. Bear in mind that clay soil will kill them very quickly, so you have to pay attention to that. In addition, make sure you provide a VERY well-drained soil if you want your peach to survive.
What fruit trees grow well in Houston Texas?
Houston is in the hardiness zone 8-9, which is why any type of “berries” works really well in the area. Also, bananas, peaches, and fruit from the citrus family are able to survive and provide tasty and healthy fruit. Just make sure you provide the right type of soil for the fruit you plant.
Tree Service Removal Overview
There are a lot of options when it comes to fruit trees for Houston properties. Even though the climate may not be ideal, fruit trees still survive and provide a nutritious and tasty snack for us. They are very valuable in the hot summer months, but you have to take care of them during the winter. Don’t hesitate to consult with arborists to get help and guidance!
