I recently scheduled an impromptu visit to my family after they let me in on their landscape redecoration plans. My family, aware of my expertise with plants and trees, always seeks my advice.

This time, they wanted fruit trees. Unsurprisingly, they based their choices on appeal and sentiments. I had to reiterate the importance of weather, soil type, space, and maintenance costs in fruit tree selection.

At the end, I had to recommend fruit trees that won’t rot in their backyard. This discussion with my parents inspired me to list the best fruit trees to for Wisconsin in my blog, just like I did for Montana. I also added best planting practices and care tips, so you’ll be well-equipped to grow these delicious fruits in your yard.

Best 5 Fruit Trees to Plant in Wisconsin

1. Apple Trees

   

   Apples are known for their hardiness, storage quality, and variety. The trees are usually between dwarf and standard height of 8 to 15 feet. They’re perennials and their fruits vary in color, size, taste, and texture. Common ones include Honeycrisp, Haralson, and Autumn Crisp.

   The best time to plant apples is early spring. Plant more than one tree for cross-pollination and fruit-bearing. The distance between two trees should be at least 15 feet. Remember to water them during dry periods.

   Harvest season starts from late summer to early fall. The fruits are used for various purposes including baking, beverage making, and snacking.

   However, apple trees can fall prey to plagues like maggots, fire blight, and codling moths. You may combat them with organic methods or by contacting tree service experts in your area.

   A trustworthy tree service I’ll gladly recommend is Hartland Tree Service. They’ve repeatedly provided me with trustworthy sources for saplings, compost, and other planting materials.

   Growth Rate:

   Dwarf Tree: 30 to 38 cm per year

   Standard Height Tree: 2 to 3 feet per year

   Fruiting:

   Dwarf Tree: after 2 to 3 years

   Standard Height Tree: close to 8 years

   Planting Condition: Well-drained, loamy soil

2. Cherry Trees

   

   These versatile trees provide beauty and fruits to Wisconsin yards. Cherries can be sweet or sour, so be sure of a variety’s taste before planting.

   Like apples, they’re best planted in early spring and need space to aid air circulation. Maintain at least 10 feet between dwarf trees and at least 20 feet for standard-height trees.

   Water Cherry trees well during their growth years to establish the roots properly.

   From late spring, the trees start to bear fruits. Ensure the cherries fully ripen before harvesting.

   Harvest season usually attracts pests like birds who attack the fruits. To prevent this, cover your trees with nets.

   Diseases like brown rot and cherry leaf can also invade your trees. You can manage them through copper fungicides and maintaining sanitation around your trees.

   Growth Rate:

   Sweet Cherry: 10 to 15 inches per year

   Sour Cherry: 8 to 10 inches per year

   Fruiting: 4 to 7 years

   Planting Condition: fertile, well-drained sandy soil

3. Pear Trees

   

   Pears are peculiar because of their unusual harvesting. You should harvest and store them while they’re still green and firm, allowing them to ripen in storage.

   They’re hardy trees that thrive in the sun and Wisconsin’s varied weather. To maintain their health and annual fruit production, ensure you water, mulch, and prune them.

   There should be at least 20 feet of space between two pear trees. It helps with proper air circulation and prevents diseases like fire blight.

   Pear trees can also suffer pest attacks like psylla. Regular monitoring can help to detect infestations early.

   Pears start to ripen in late summer. You can eat them fresh or combine them with food. Common varieties include Bartlet, Keiffer, and Bosc.

   Growth Rate: typically, 12 to 15 inches per year

   Fruiting: after 4 to 6 years of planting

   Planting Condition: Well-drained, loamy soil

4. Plum Trees

   

   The fascinating fruits and beautiful blooms of pear trees can brighten your Wisconsin garden. Hardy varieties like Mount Royal and Stanley can handle Wisconsin’s harsh winter, unlike Japanese plums.

   Plant plum trees in early spring with a minimum of 15 feet spacing. They require regular watering, pruning, and full sun to aid their growth and fruit production.

   Plum fruits start to ripen from midsummer. You may use them for homemade jams, Jam, baking, plum wine or brandy, plum sauce, or roasting.

   Plum pests and diseases, such as black knots and plum curculio, can affect trees’ growth and fruit production. You may prevent some of these by maintaining sanitation around your trees. You should seek expert advice if you need help identifying your trees’ problems.

   Growth Rate: between 15 to 20 inches per year

   Fruiting: after 3 to 6 years

   Planting Condition: lightweight, well-drained, loamy soil

5. Peach Trees

   

   If you’re conscious about space, you should go for a peach tree. It’s one of those trees that can self-pollinate and bear fruits so that you can plant just one. Choose hardy varieties like Contender and Reliance.

   Peach trees are early bloomers. This can expose their petals to frost. You may protect them with frost blankets or plastic sheets or install a sprinkler system.

   They can be troubled by plagues such as brown rot and borers. When planting, ensure you space them around 18 feet apart. Pruning and regular maintenance will also keep your trees healthy.

   From midsummer, peaches begin to ripen for harvest. Their use includes fresh consumption and processing into smoothies and sauces.

   Growth Rate: 18 to 24 inches per year

   Fruiting: about 3 to 4 years after planting

   Planting Condition: Well-draining, loamy soil

What’s the easiest fruit tree to grow in Wisconsin?

Apple trees are the easiest to grow in Wisconsin. They are well-suited to Wisconsin’s weather and resistant to many common diseases. You can easily care for them, whether you are an enthusiast or an experienced gardener.

You can also pair the apple trees with perennials that are proven to thrive in the local climate to create a balanced and resilient yard.

When should you plant fruit trees in Wisconsin?

If you’re going to plant your tree outdoors, it is better to do so while the ground is still warm. This way, the roots will develop well before the frost.

What’s the most profitable fruit tree?

Apples are the most profitable fruit trees to grow due to their high yield, market demand, long shelf life, and versatile usage. Their resistance to many diseases also means you will spend little on their care.