On average, Coloradans enjoy more than 300 sunny days a year. While our climate can be considered a little arid at times, it is possible to grow healthy gardens and landscapes along the Front Range. Adding a fruit tree to your plans can be more rewarding than you might think. In addition to providing a healthy treat, fruit trees can showcase beautiful blooms, attract birds and pollinators, and can provide striking winter features, depending on species.

Common fruit trees which perform well along the Front Range include apple (malus), cherry, peach, plum (prunus), and serviceberry (amelanchier). There are also fruit bearing shrubs which can accent your garden. They include raspberry, blackberry and elderberry. The apple, raspberry, blackberry and elderberry need male and female counterparts to produce fruit. The prunes species and serviceberries do not.

Before adding a new fruit bearing tree or shrub to your landscape, be aware of your surroundings. Make sure the plant has adequate space and a good bounty of sunlight for at least eight hours. Be prepared to experience new facets of nature in your hard. Flowering fruit trees attract a wide array of insects, birds and animals. Bees will make the trip to your garden to pollinate and they may build a hive nearby. Take any insect allergies into consideration before planting an insect enticing plant. Birds and squirrels will flock to cherry, serviceberry and plum trees. Chances are you will have to beat them to the fruit. Perhaps you have your own pets to consider as well. Be sure to monitor their fruit eating habits as too much fruit can prove unpleasant for your pet.

Fruit trees can add a unique focal point to your landscape if you make time for proper planning, planting and proper cultural practices (water, soil nutrition and structure pruning) and pay attention to detail. Garden centers, parks and botanic gardens can give you a good idea of what fruit trees will thrive in your area.

The Metro District maintains orchards at Fly’n B Park, Highlands Ranch Mansion & Historic Park, and Cheese Ranch Historic and Natural Area. Visit these parks to see how beautiful fruit trees can be in your landscape.