15’

50’+ 20’
15’ 25’-50’ 15’
Central Leader Pruning
Planting Your Tree
10’ Up to 25’ 10’
Cut all but one From Building Corner Height From Wall trees. The fruit is usually smaller but the trees are much easier to care for.
central leader ... Minimum Spacing Tree Minimum Spacing
1. Select the right tree for the right place. Refer to the 5. When planting a bare-root tree, form a cone of If you want fruit but don’t want the trouble of improved varieties, try planting Texas native fruit-bearing
chart below for the space and light requirements for loosened soil in the center of the hole. The top of the using equal parts of cottonseed meal, rock phosphate and greensand or kelp meal.
your selection. cone should be about one inch below the level of the
trunk diameter in the early spring and again after fruit have set. You can purchase fertilizer or make your own
surrounding soil. For trees with a tap root (pears, apples,
2. Dig a hole 2-5 times the diameter of the rootball and nuts) gently stab into the center of the cone. Arrange all Cut crossed from citrus.
Black Cherry
Escarpment
Do not fertilize your tree the first year. Thereafter apply one pound of complete organic fertilizer per inch of
no deeper than the rootball. The bottom of the rootball of the smaller roots in a single layer over the surface of limbs. possible waterings.
should rest on solid, undisturbed ground. When finished, the cone. as far as
Cut broken
Plant figs miss. Give your trees the equivalent of 1” of rain every week. One deep soaking is better than multiple light
you want the soil at the base of the tree to be at the ... and 3 “scaffold” limbs. limbs.
same level as it was in the container. 6. Backfill with the original soil, breaking up clods and Fig problems. Spreading 1” of compost around the drip line of your trees will help clean up any debris that you
removing any large stones. Fill the hole half full and flood tall weeds left around the tree. Removing weeds and debris (to your compost pile) will help prevent many
3. Make sure the sides of the hole are rough and uneven. with a slow hose or tamp gently with your foot to firm Remove afternoon sun.
suckers. Sanitation is also very important to tree health. Diseases and pests can breed on fallen fruit, plant parts and
A rough edge to the hole may help force roots to grow the soil. Repeat until the hole is full. Do not press too plants from the hot
out into the surrounding soil. firmly.
will protect healthy foliage to light and air to help prevent diseases and discourage pests.
Pear
of your garden
the west side Proper pruning is vital to fruit tree health. It helps ensure health by removing diseased parts and exposing
4. Place the tree in the center of the hole. When planting 7. Construct a small dam or berm three feet in Che Trees planted to
a containerized tree, remove the container without diameter around the tree. Cover the
Fruit Tree Care
First Dormant Season Maintenance Pruning Garden
pulling on the trunk of the tree. Soak the tree loosened area of soil with 1” of compost.
to make it easier to remove from the container. Cover that with 3” - 4” of mulch Mulberry create a diverse ecosystem, you produce optimal growing conditions.
Adjust the tree so that it is straight and at (shredded wood, bark or dry leaves).
and diseases better than those under stress due to repeated chemical applications. By working with nature to
the proper level. Jujube
8. Water slowly and thoroughly. Open Vase Pruning Grapes
enriched by compost and other organic matter. The concept is simple: vigorous plants resist insects, weeds
The basis of organic growing is living soil which is free of toxic chemicals (for at least three years) and is
Organics
Loquat
Loquat Tree Care
Persimmon
Prune rubbing or sight of windows in the house.
Loosen area of soil 2-5 times crossing limbs. Plant showy-flowered trees within
wider than diameter of rootball. Top of rootball at Cut all but three
Plum
describes organic methods to care for them successfully.
Mulch entire loosened soil area. grade level. “scaffold” limbs. Prune damaged
Directionally prune or broken limbs. benefits and to produce fresh, healthy food. It suggests native and well-adapted trees and
Create a small dam new growth. Dwarf Apple cold protection.
3’ in diameter. Remove side of house for This guide was created to encourage you to plant trees for their beauty, environmental
Do not over-compact the
suckers. Planted on south
loosened soil — only enough Solid, undisturbed soil Kumquat
to hold the tree upright. below rootball.
existing fence.
trellised on an Bat House
(blackberries) can be
First Dormant Season Maintenance Pruning Vines and canes
Pawpaw Pomegranate
Pecan

Companion Plants neighborhood cats.

Blackberries
When you plant your trees, remember that many attractive and useful plants can grow in the shade of a fruit tree. Always start by removing any growth from the base of the tree. This is growth from the rootstock and will never help protect them from
pests. Thorny plants can
Herbs in the mint family will grow in dappled shade and supply seasoning, tea, beautiful foliage and flowers and produce good fruit. Also remove branches that cross other branches. Prune any dead or diseased plant parts. If you wildlife helps control
trees.
may help deter pests. Blackberries will grow very well in an understory. Pawpaws or persimmons can both thrive prune diseased wood be sure to clean your tools before continuing. Minor pruning can be done at any time of year. Major
Attracting beneficial
Agarita heat-sensitive
and protect
in the edge of a large tree’s canopy. Check your local nursery for other shade-tolerant plants. shaping should be done in the dormant period. your house

Bluebird Box
fruit, shade

Resources
Bath can provide
Bird
Large trees

Pruning California Rare Fruit Grower’s Association, www.crfg.org

Pawpaw
House

Proper pruning is necessary for optimal fruit and nut production. The improved species of fruit tree that you Native and Naturalized Woody Plants of Austin and the Hill Country, Daniel Lynch
purchase is actually a tiny piece of stem from the top of one tree grafted onto the roots of another. You have to Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region, Sally Wasowski with Andy Wasowski Peach Black Walnut

train it to grow like a tree. Organic Orcharding: A Grove of Trees to Live In, Gene Logsdon
There are two basic methods of fruit tree pruning, Central Leader and Open Vase. Refer to the chart below to see Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu
which one applies to your selection. The goal of both methods is to allow plenty of sunlight and air flow to keep the Tree Growing Guide for Austin and the Hill Country, TreeFolks Sample Planting
foliage dry to help prevent disease. TreeFolks’ Urban Orchard Project, www.treefolks.org

Fruit & Nut Treef Growing Guide

Tree Type Size Climate Conditions and
Pruning Soil Pests Diseases Self-Pollinating Special Care Variety Comments Fruit
Plant Location
Train as hedge, container Full-sun plant grows well in hot and dry Showy red-orange blossoms attract 3” to 5” with purple to red skin.
10’-15’
Pomegranate plant or train to
Grows in
climates. Drought tolerant but sensitive to Few Few Yes
Drought tolerant, but irrigate for
Wonderful hummingbirds all season. Small seeds inside, or
CENTRAL TEXAS
x 10’ one trunk.
most soils.
long periods of low temps. better fruit production and size.
Fruit used for syrup, jelly, or eaten fresh. covered with juicy red pulp.
Fire blight, cotton Usually requires thinning as trees bear Anna, Dorsette Golden, Ein
Up to Semi-dwarf or dwarf trained Well-drained, mildly Maximize sunlight. Watch for disease in Dwarf trees are most suited to 3” to 5” with yellow or greenish
Apple Mites root rot, apple scab, No too much fruit. Lowering soil pH will Shemer, Stark Royal Gala,
30’ to a central leader. acid soil. extended warm, moist periods.
bitter rot prevent many disease problems. Mollies Delicious
southern gardening. yellow with some red blush.

Moist, well-drained, sandy Strawberry weevils, redneck cane Prune fruiting canes to the ground Brazos, Brison, Rosborough, Produces a lot of fruit. Easy to grow in Texas. Purple-black berries with many small
Plant in rows. Plants do Tolerates part shade very well. Needs Anthracnose,
Blackberry1 4’ x 3’ soils are best but blackberries borers, spidermites, stink bugs,
No and remove immediately after Womack, Cheyenne, Native dewberries are very similar but canes trail seeds around a soft,
better with some support.
are very tolerant.
irrigation for best production. spittlebugs. Watch for snakes in
rural areas!
Rosette
harvest to avoid disease. Navaho (thornless) close to the ground. edible core; 3/4” to 2” in length. Fruit and nut trees are a special and often undervalued and underappreciated part of the
Train as bush or tree. Bush Grows well in Texas, though freeze Nematodes, gophers, Mosaic virus,
Irrigate but reduce irrigation in fall to Alma, Celeste, Texas
Large attractive leaves and fragrant wood. Plant only Brownish 2” to 3” fruit with some urban food pantry. Unlike vegetables, they continue to produce for many years and are a great
Fig 10’-15’ training is best to prevent Well-drained soil. damage can be a problem. beetles, fire ants, and botrytis, Yes
force dormancy. Prune dead wood. Everbearing
closed-eye figs to prevent pest damage and spoilage purple blush. Edible skin over sweet,
frost damage. Maximize sunlight. euryphid mites fig canker problems. Do not grow near citrus. exotic tasting flesh. snack for kids and adults. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and
Aphids, leafhoppers, Pierce’s disease, Weed regularly. Cut back watering in Seeded: Champanel, Black Spanish, Very prolific with good care. Native Mustang and Clusters of 3/4” to 1 1/4” berries with
Grape3 8’ x 8’
Grow on trellises
or fences.
Well-drained, sandy
soil.
Subject to freeze damage. mites, rasp-thrips, black rot, Yes fall to avoid freeze Siebel 9110, Fredonia Seedless: Mars, Winter grapes are usually used for jelly or wine thin skins and oils. Some of the larger variety of trees, like pecans, provide shade for yards and houses. All
grape phylloxeras cotton root rot damage. Do not plant near trees. Reliance, Suffolk Red (as opposed to eating fresh). sweet, succulent flesh.

Tolerates most soils, 1 1/2” to 3 1/2” yellow fruit with some

trees cool the air around them through the process of evapotranspiration (this is the combined
Drought resistant. Maximize sunlight and An attractive yard tree as well as a
Jujube 30’ Train to a central leader. but prefers sandy,
heat received.
Pest tolerant None Yes Prune in winter for healthier tree. Lang, Li
source of very interesting fruit.
brown blotches. Flesh is suggestive of
process of transpiration and evaporation).
well-drained soils. apple with a distinct spiciness.

Prune for aesthetic appeal

Moist, well-drained
An attractive yard tree
Ask, because some are
Possible frost damage to Early Red, Oliver, Advance, Always good as an ornamental.
Fuzzy pale yellow-orange 2” fruit Growing fruit and nut trees and plants contributes to food security, fresher, more nutritious
Loquat 10’-20’ only.
soils preferred, but
tolerant of some shade.
Fruit flies, birds Fire blight and some are not
blossoms in cold winters. Champagne Frost might impair fruit production.
with large seeds and
not picky. self-pollinating. complex tropical flavor. food and lower food miles. Eating locally reduces people’s dependence on the large national
San Jose scales, Scab, brown rot, bacterial
Blooms early, subjecting blossoms to Pruning and thinning necessary because Sentinel, Harvester, Redglobe, Fuzzy 2 1/2” to 4” fruit with
Peach 8’-10’ Train to an open vase shape.
Sandy, deep,
well-drained soil.
freeze damage in spring. borers, catfacing
spot, post oak root rot,
cotton root rot, bacterial Yes of high fruit production. Difficult but not Redskin, Dixieland, Springold,
Attractive pink blooms in early spring
are a big bonus to planting peaches.
single large pits. Arguably system of food production and distribution that fills grocery store shelves. Natural and
Needs sunlight most of day. insects impossible to grow organically. Bicentennial, June Gold the definitive taste of summer.
canker

Train as hedge, container Moonglow, Magness, Seckel, Large (up to one pound) pears have
man-made disasters can affect this system of distribution. In the U.S., produce travels an
Extremely tolerant of Fire blight, Fruiting pears are very prolific and easy to grow.
Pear 20’ plant or train to most soils. Full sunlight. Pest tolerant
leaf spot
No, plant two types. Pruning should occur in summer. Orient, Kieffer, Garber,
Not used as an ornamental.
rougher texture, sweet juicy flesh and
average of 1,500 miles to reach grocery store shelves. These food miles can drastically affect
one trunk. LeConte, Warren perfumey aroma.

Needs moderate soil Weevils, aphids, borers,

Pecan scab,
No, plant two varieties, Foliar sprays of nitrogen-zinc fertilizer every Cheyenne, Choctaw, Sioux, Caddo,
Texas state tree. Very large at maturity, so plant Thin 1” to 2 1/2” shells cover rich,
your impact on climate change and your carbon footprint. Also, produce transported over long
Pecan 50’-80’ Train to a central leader. moisture, and deep, Full sunlight. webworms, tent
stick-tights
unless others ten days after bud break greatly increase Desirable, Kiowa, Podsednik,
at least 35 feet apart and 20 feet from buildings. buttery, slightly sweet nut meats.
caterpillars, casebearers
well-drained soil. exist nearby. production and growth. Western, Wichita
distances loses many of its nutrients and flavor when compared to being picked fresh from
Pest tolerant, but Little pruning is necessary. Orange to orange-red 3” to 5” fruit with
Pretty specimen trees with large glossy leaves and
Persimmon 10’-25’ Train to a central leader. Well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Maximize sunlight. ants may cause Disease resistant Yes
Fertilize in February and June.
Irrigate if fruit drops prematurely.
Eureka, Fuyu, Hachiya,
Tamopan, Tanenashi
colorful fall foliage. Fruits remain after leaves drop
thin skins over thick, sweet
succulent flesh with few large seeds.
a tree or vine. Grow your own food and support other local urban farmers by buying local to
problems Be careful not to overwater or fertilize. creating a very decorative fall display. Most cannot be eaten until soft-ripe.
Plum curculio, Brown rot, scab, Allred, Bruce, Methley, 2” to 3” fruits with red or dark purple tart
help reduce your carbon footprint.
Tolerates most Prune, thin and irrigate Fruit is good fresh and as jelly.
Plum2 15’-20’ Train to an open vase shape.
well-drained soils.
Full sunlight. catfacing insects, leaf curl, No, plant two varieties.
for better production. Morris, Ozark Premier,
Fragrant white blossoms in spring.
skins over sweet, juicy and slightly stringy
borers bacterial canker Santa Rosa flesh and a single small pit.

Train to a central leader or as Tolerates low temps to 18 degrees.

Rust mites,
Canker, Bear tiny orange-like fruit.
1 1/2” to 2” waxy orange fruit with In this Fruit & Nut Tree Guide you’ll find:
Kumquat 15’ a hedge.
Well-drained soil.
Full sun.
whiteflies,
melanose fungus
Yes Meiwa
Good fresh or in marmalade.
sweet edible skin and tiny edible
summer scales seeds. Best eaten whole. • Beautiful illustrations of recommended fruit and nut bearing trees for Central Texas
Deep, warm, well-drained Disease tolerant, When fruit is ripe, spread Improved varieties: Shangri La Purple berries 1” to 2” in length with
Up to Large tree requiring Drought and pollution tolerant. Birds love them. Plant 25 feet apart. • Detailed information about each tree to help you choose the appropriate tree(s) for
Mulberry soil preferred. Does okay in Birds Popcorn disease Yes an old sheet on the ground Native/Naturalized Species: Texas, Paper, very small seeds and
45’ minimal pruning. poor soils. Full sun. Give it a lot of space.
can occur and shake branches. White, Red Do not plant near sidewalks. sweet, mild flavor.
Train as hedge, container Red berries from grape to plum size
your site and needs
Most warm, No, a separate
Che 25’ plant or train to
well-drained soils.
Plant in a warm, sunny location. Birds Disease tolerant
male plant is required.
No named varieties. A popular fruit in Asian markets. with small seeds and fresh flavor that
•Tree planting instructions
one trunk. resembles melon

Deep, fertile, well-

Not drought tolerant. Needs filtered sun
Pest resistant,
No, cross-pollinate with an Mitchell, Overleese,
Attractive, pyramidal-shaped tree with large Clusters of 3” to 6” fruit •Tree pruning and care information
Pawpaw 15’-20’ Train to central leader. drained, moist, and
in very hot climates.
though squirrels Disease resistant
unrelated tree.
Irrigate
Prolific, Taytoo
tropical leaves. Fruit is pale green with black best eaten when
slightly acid soils. love the fruit markings and white flesh of vanilla taste. skin begins to blacken.

Foliar sprays of nitrogen-zinc fertilizer every 1” to 1 3/4” nuts with rough, hard,
Black Up to Deep “pecan soil” Drought tolerant Aphids, weevils, Walnuts have similar growth habits and appearance to
blackish shells covering delicious
Train to a central leader. Disease resistant No ten days after bud break greatly increase Thomas pecans but they emit a chemical that discourages most
Walnut4 50’ is best. after it is established. borers
production and growth. other plants from growing under them. nut meats with very high oil content.
Escarpment Tolerant of very Do not plant near driveways. When 3/8” to 5/8” fruit ripens to very dark
No special pruning No known A beautiful and easy-to-grow tree.
Black Cherry 30’ is necessary.
alkaline soil if it Very drought tolerant. Birds
serious diseases
No, plant at least two. fruit is ripe, spread an old sheet on No named varieties.
The fruit is small but makes superb jelly.
purple in clusters. Sweet, wild and
(native) drains well. the ground and shake branches. sometimes slightly bitter flavor.

No pruning An extremely Watch for spines when Intensely fragrant flowers are followed by Red, oval shaped, 1/2” to 5/8” fruit.
Agarita (native) 3’ x 4’ necessary. tolerant native plant.
Grows well in dappled shade. No known pests Disease resistant Yes harvesting or pruning. No named varieties.
clusters of tender grape-like fruits. Seeds are small and soft.

Young pads are prepared as a vegetable. 2” to 4” maroon to purple fruit is sweet and
Prickly Pear 3’ x 4’ No pruning or training Any well-drained soil Extremely drought tolerant Cochineal insects Downy mildew Yes Handle spined specimens Plant spineless varieties for
Fruit is delicious chilled or as jelly. beautiful but benefit from chilling and a squeeze
Cactus (native) is necessary. will work. once established. very carefully. ease of handling.
Seeds can be ground as flour. of lime for “character” when eaten fresh.

This is a very easy-care small tree. It 3/4” to 1 3/4” fruit is purple to gold
Mexican Plum Little special care Any well-drained soil No known serious No, plant at least two Fragrant white blossoms are followed by
8’-25’ is required. will work.
Drought tolerant once established. Birds, deer
diseases (any other wild plum).
will tolerate some shade but may be No named varieties.
attractive edible fruits about 1” across.
with purple blush.
(native) slightly cold sensitive. Delicious when picked soft-ripe.

The Selection, Planting & Care of Fruiting Trees

Best grown as annual plant, Few insects when 1” to 2” deep red berries with thin
Strawberry Light well-drained soil Needs full sunlight and Fast producer in Texas,
(not illustrated)
— because of
a must. no weed competition.
grown as an annual. Yes Plant in fall for spring harvest. Sequoia, Tioga, Cardinal though hard to grow.
skin covered with tiny, edible seeds Illustration: Robert O’Brien Design
extreme Texas heat. Birds are a problem. covering sweet/tart flesh.
1
Try Dewberries for an easy-to-care-for alternative.
To order additional copies of this guide call TreeFolks at 512-443-5323,
2

3
Try Hog or Creek Plums for an easy-to-care-for alternative. or visit the Web site at www.treefolks.org.
Try Mustang Grapes for disease resistance and easy care. Start your plants from wild plants that you have seen fruiting. 4 out of 5 wild plants are male and so will never bear fruit.
4
Try Arizona Walnut or Little Walnut (River Walnut) for an easier-to-care-for alternative for the Hill Country. This tree poster is printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper which is manufactured in the U.S.A.
Please recycle or pass on to a friend.