Growing fruit trees in backyard - Ask Extension
Hello! I live in Silverton, hardiness zone 8B on farmland and have a 100ft x 25ft area where I am able to plant new fruit trees. It has water close by...
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Growing fruit trees in backyard #926577
Asked March 23, 2026, 2:17 PM EDT
Hello! I live in Silverton, hardiness zone 8B on farmland and have a 100ft x 25ft area where I am able to plant new fruit trees. It has water close by so I could run irrigation to the trees. I am hoping to plant as many fruit tree varieties as possible to have a little of each fruit. Are there any resources for picking out fruit trees that grow well together, and for spacing fruit trees?
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Josh,
Thank you for contacting us about planting fruit trees on your property. Fruit trees are rather high maintenance with most requiring annual pruning and spraying at several times in the season. I'm sending along some literature available from OSU, and the spray schedules for various types of fruit.
You would do well to also look for a reputable grower who specializes in orchard fruit trees to help you select the appropriate size trees and varieties. They can also advise you on pollinators and disease-resistant varieties.
Thank you for contacting us about planting fruit trees on your property. Fruit trees are rather high maintenance with most requiring annual pruning and spraying at several times in the season. I'm sending along some literature available from OSU, and the spray schedules for various types of fruit.
You would do well to also look for a reputable grower who specializes in orchard fruit trees to help you select the appropriate size trees and varieties. They can also advise you on pollinators and disease-resistant varieties.
- https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-819-growing-tree-fruits-nuts-home
- Pollinator companions:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-631-managing-diseases-insects-home-orchards - Video: https://youtu.be/gzA_sT-tle4
- Spray schedules:
https://treefruit.wsu.edu/backyard-fruit-tree-spray-schedules/
