Fruit Trees 101

A Beginner-to-Expert Guide to Growing Healthy Fruit Trees in New Brunswick

July 12th, 2025

Whether you're dreaming of crisp apples fresh off the tree, sun-ripened peaches in late summer, or just looking to build your backyard orchard, you’re in the right place. Growing fruit trees in New Brunswick may come with its challenges, but it also comes with sweet rewards—literally.

 

This guide is for you, whether you're just getting your hands dirty for the first time or you've been pruning plums for years. We'll walk through everything you need to know—from picking the right tree to your final harvest of the season, with tips, tricks, and expert advice tailored specifically to our Maritime climate.

 

You’ll learn:

  • How to choose the perfect fruit tree for your yard
  • The right way to plant for long-term success
  • Seasonal care routines for healthy trees year-round
  • Organic ways to keep pests and diseases under control
  • When and how to harvest for the best yield

So grab your shovel and your gardening gloves—let’s get started on your journey to becoming a confident, capable fruit tree grower.

Choosing the Right Fruit Tree for Your Yard and Climate

Before you fall in love with that cherry tree or dream of harvesting your own kiwis, take a moment to consider your growing conditions. Picking the right fruit tree is the first step to success—and it’s not just about taste.

 

Here’s how to make sure your tree thrives in New Brunswick:

Know Your Hardiness Zone

Most of New Brunswick falls into Zone 4 or 5, which means:

You need cold-hardy trees that can withstand -30°C to -20°C.

Trees like apples, plums, pears, cherries, and serviceberries do great here.

 

Stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and apricots can be grown, but need extra winter protection and the right variety (Reliance, Harrow Diamond, etc.).

 

Hot Tip: Ask your nursery (hey there 👋 Scott’s Nursery) about locally proven varieties.

Self-Pollinating vs. Cross-Pollinating

Some fruit trees will produce fruit on their own, while others need a friend nearby.

  • Self-pollinating trees: Peaches, nectarines, most apricots, sour cherries, and some figs.
  • Cross-pollinating trees: Apples, pears, plums, sweet cherries, kiwis.

If you’re planting cross-pollinators:

  • Make sure they bloom around the same time.
  • Plant within 50 feet of each other (or let your neighbour’s tree help out!).

Yard Size vs Tree Size

Fruit trees come in three main types:

  • Standard: Full-sized, needs 15–25 feet between trees. Great for big yards and long-term yield.
  • Semi-dwarf: 12–15 feet tall. A nice balance of size and productivity.
  • Dwarf: 6–10 feet tall. Perfect for small yards, raised beds, or even containers.

Growing in Containers

Short on space? You can still grow fruit!

 

Best bets for containers:

  • Dwarf apples or pears
  • Figs (especially hardy types like Chicago Hardy)
  • Kiwis (arctic or hardy varieties)
  • Some plums and peaches with winter protection

Container Tips:

  • Use a large pot (minimum 15–20 gallons)
  • Water more often (they dry out fast)
  • Move to sheltered spot or insulate for winter

Final Checklist Before Buying:

  1.  What’s your hardiness zone?
  2.  How much sun will your tree get? (Needs 6–8 hrs/day)
  3.  Do you have room for two if needed for pollination?
  4.  Want container-friendly or in-ground?
  5.  Can you protect tender trees in winter?

How to Plant a Fruit Tree

Planting a fruit tree the right way sets it up for a lifetime of good health and great harvests. Whether you're working with a potted tree or bare-root, this step-by-step guide will make sure your tree starts strong.

When’s the Best Time to Plant in New Brunswick?

Spring is ideal—plant after the ground has thawed but before buds break.
Fall planting is also possible, but trees must be well-rooted before frost. Spring is safer, especially for newer gardeners.

What You’ll Need:

Shovel

 

Compost or organic matter

 

Mulch

 

Watering can or hose

 

Tree stake (optional, but recommended in windy areas)

Pick the Right Spot

Full sun (6–8 hours/day)

 

Well-drained soil (avoid soggy low spots)

 

Enough space for mature tree size

Dig the Hole

Twice as wide as the root ball

 

Just as deep as the roots or pot — don’t bury the trunk!

Check the Roots

For potted trees, gently loosen circling roots.

 

For bare-root trees, soak roots in water for 1–2 hours before planting.

Position the Tree

Place it in the center of the hole.

 

Make sure the graft union (the bulge where the tree was grafted) sits 2–3 inches above the soil.

Backfill and Water

Refill the hole with native soil mixed with a bit of compost (no fertilizers yet).

 

Water deeply to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Mulch

Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch in a donut shape around the base — keep it 2 inches away from the trunk.

Stake if Needed

For windy spots or tall trees, use a flexible stake for the first year. Don’t tie too tightly — the tree should still sway slightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Planting too deep (smothers the trunk and causes rot)
  • Adding too much fertilizer at planting (burns roots)
  • Skipping mulch (leads to dry roots and weed competition)
  • Overwatering (roots need oxygen too!)

Caring for Fruit Trees 
Season by Season

Think of your fruit tree like a rhythm—it needs different things at different times of year. Here's how to care for it season by season, Maritime-style.

Spring: Wake-Up Call

Goals: Prune, feed, protect from early pests

  • Prune before bud break: Late March to early April is prime pruning time in NB. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
  • Apply dormant oil spray: Before leaves emerge, spray to smother overwintering pests and eggs.
  • Fertilize (lightly): Use an organic fruit tree fertilizer (balanced or slightly nitrogen-heavy). Apply around drip line, not near trunk.
  • Monitor buds: Watch for signs of fire blight, especially in apples and pears—cut out infected areas quickly.

To-do checklist:

  1.  Prune tree
  2.  Apply dormant oil
  3.  Light spring fertilizing
  4.  Water during dry spells

Summer: Growth & Fruit Time

Goals: Support growth, prevent disease, manage fruit load

  • Water consistently: Especially during dry periods. Deep, slow watering is best—2x/week is better than shallow daily watering.
  • Mulch maintenance: Top up if needed to keep roots cool and moist.
  • Thin fruit: If the tree is overloaded, thin excess fruit early (especially apples and peaches) to prevent broken branches.
  • Pest watch: Use sticky traps for apple maggots, neem oil for aphids, and remove any tent caterpillars manually.
  • Prune lightly: If needed, remove suckers or water sprouts. Save major cuts for winter/spring.

Fall: Wind Down & Prep for Winter

Goals: Clean up, protect roots, prevent disease

  • Stop fertilizing: Late August is the cut-off. This helps trees harden off for winter.
  • Clean fallen leaves/fruit: This helps reduce pest/disease carryover.
  • Mulch deeply: Reapply mulch around the root zone (4–6 inches thick) but leave space around the trunk.
  • Wrap trunks: Young trees are vulnerable to sunscald and rodent damage. Use tree guards or wrap with breathable fabric.
  • Last deep watering: Before the ground freezes, give one final, deep watering to hydrate roots.

Winter: Survival Mode

Goals: Protect from frost, critters, and dehydration

  • Container trees: Move to an unheated garage, shed, or wrap pots with insulation + burlap.
  • In-ground trees: Make sure mulch is in place, and young trees are wrapped.
  • Check after storms: Look for cracked bark or snapped branches, especially in freezing rain.

Optional: Brush snow off branches gently to prevent breakage.

 

Pro Tip for New Brunswick Winters:

Rabbits, voles, and deer love tender bark. Protect trees with mesh guards or wrap up to 3–4 feet high.

Common Pests & Diseases 
(and Organic Solutions)

Even the healthiest fruit trees can face a few uninvited guests. But don’t worry—you can manage most common issues in New Brunswick organically with a few smart strategies and a little watchfulness.

Common Fruit Tree Pests

Apple Maggot

Small flies lay eggs inside ripening apples → fruit becomes brown and mushy.

Signs: Tiny dimples or tracks on the skin, early fruit drop.

 

Organic Fix:

Hang red sticky traps in June and July.

Pick up and discard any fallen or damaged fruit right away.

Tent Caterpillars

Build silky tents in tree branches and strip leaves fast.

 

Organic Fix:

Remove nests by hand early in the morning.

Prune out infested branches if needed.

Spray with BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) for organic control.

Aphids

Tiny bugs on leaves and new growth, often causing curling or sticky residue.

 

Organic Fix:

Blast with water hose.

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Introduce ladybugs or lacewings to your garden.

Pear Slug / Sawfly

Small slimy larvae that skeletonize leaves of pears, cherries, and plums.

 

Organic Fix:

Hose off or shake the tree.

Neem oil spray works well here too.

Common Fruit Tree Diseases

Fire Blight 

(Apples & Pears)

Bacterial infection. Leaves look scorched; twigs curl into a “shepherd’s crook.”

 

Organic Fix:

Prune infected branches at least 8 inches below damage.

Sterilize pruners between cuts.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Brown Rot

(Peaches, Plums, Cherries)

Fungus causes fruit rot, blossom wilt, and twig dieback.

 

Organic Fix:

Remove all mummified fruit from tree and ground.

Prune for good airflow.

Spray with sulfur or copper fungicide early in the season.

Powdery Mildew

White powdery coating on leaves and fruit.

 

Organic Fix:

Improve air circulation with pruning.

Spray with diluted baking soda (1 tbsp/gal water + a few drops of soap).

Avoid overhead watering.

Prevention Is Everything

Prune regularly for airflow

Clean up fallen fruit and leaves every season

Mulch wisely to reduce splashing and weed competition

Rotate organic sprays (neem oil, copper, sulfur) early in the season

Attract beneficial insects with flowers like yarrow, alyssum, dill, and calendula

Harvesting Your Fruit
Signs, Timing & Tips

There’s nothing like picking your own juicy peach or crisp apple straight off the tree. But knowing when and how to harvest makes a big difference in taste, storage, and your tree’s future health.

Here’s how to get it right every time.

When Is It Time to Harvest?

Use the cues below for each type of fruit you might grow in New Brunswick:

Apples

Fruit comes off easily with a slight upward twist

Skin color has deepened; background color (near stem) turns from green to yellowish

Seeds inside are dark brown

You may see a few natural drops—this signals peak time

Pears

Don’t wait for them to ripen fully on the tree!

Pick when the neck yields slightly to gentle pressure

Let them ripen indoors at room temperature

Overripe pears go mushy and mealy fast

Peaches & Nectarines

Fragrant aroma and full color

Gently squeeze — should have slight give

Twist gently; ripe fruit comes off easily

Cherries

Deep, glossy color is key (don’t pick pale ones)

Taste-test is best indicator — should be sweet, not tart

Harvest with stems if storing, without if eating right away

Plums

Should be softening but not mushy

Full color and sweet aroma

If they fall with a shake, they’re ready

How to Harvest Like a Pro

Use both hands: One to hold the branch steady, one to twist or snip

Avoid tugging: It can damage the fruit and the tree

Use pruning snips for tougher stems (like pears or large apples)

Harvest in the cool of the day: Morning is best for freshness

Tips for Maximizing Yield

Prune annually to open up the canopy and stimulate fruiting

Thin fruit in spring to prevent overbearing and branch breakage

Water deeply during fruit development

Ensure proper pollination by planting compatible varieties or attracting bees

Storage Basics

Apples: Store in a cool, dark place (can last months)

Pears: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate

Stone Fruits: Eat fresh or refrigerate short-term

Berries: Use or freeze immediately

Caring for fruit trees isn’t just about growing food — it’s about creating something long-lasting, seasonal, and satisfying. Whether you're starting with your very first apple tree or you’re looking to expand into peaches, plums, or kiwis, you’ve now got the tools and knowledge to succeed.

 

Remember:

Pick the right variety for New Brunswick’s climate

Plant with care and set strong roots

Follow the seasons — prune, feed, water, and protect

Keep it organic when fighting pests and disease

Harvest at the right time for the best flavor and yield

 

Need help picking your trees or supplies? 

Visit us at Scott’s Nursery in Lincoln, NB — we’re happy to help you grow something amazing.

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