Best Fruit Trees To Grow In Southern California

Spring is upon us, flowers are blooming, and bees are collecting nectar. The smell of blooming flowers and early spring warmth brings out the gardener in some of us. With that, you might be asking what are the best types of fruit trees to plant in the Sacramento, CA area. This area is hot in the summer, and we do not get much rain in the winter. Also, due to our specific climate, there are some fruit trees that do well here and others that are prone to fungi and other infections.

What is the best tree to plant in Southern California

The owner of our company, Good Life Pest Solutions, loves to garden and has over 200 fruit trees on his property. As his passion, he has been planting and caring for fruit trees in the Sacramento region for over 20 years. If you live in the Sacramento area, Placer County area, El Dorado area, these recommendations are for you.

These top 10 are chosen for the following reasons: hardy to hot weather, don’t need freezing temperatures in the winter, resistant to diseases. In his opinion, if it takes you buckets of pesticides and insecticides to keep the trees alive and fruit healthy, why would you want to eat those fruits or give them to someone? 

So here is our top 10 list:

CITRUS TREES

Oranges, lemons, mandarins, tangerines, kumquats, limes, grapefruit, and others. Citrus trees love the warm weather. They do not need much chemical treatments and could be left untreated completely in their mature stage. Citrus trees produce great fruit, and the leaves are green year-round. When citrus trees produce a crop, which is usually around Christmas time, you don’t have to harvest them all at the same time. You could leave the fruit on the tree all the way up to June and July, thus having access to a few fresh citrus fruits daily. All these reasons and more are why it made it to our #1.

ASIAN PEAR

Second in line is an Asian Pear. The fruit looks and tastes like a mix of an apple and a pear. It does well in the hot weather and does not need much chemical care. It produces heavy crops from a very small age.

APRICOTS

Apricots: Apricots do well here in Sacramento Valley, prone to insects, fungus infections, and bear tasty fruit. If you want to plant more than one tree, we recommend planting an early harvest and a late harvest specimen. This ensures a fresh supply of apricots for multiple months.

PLUMS

Plum trees are like weeds in the Sacramento region. They do well in the heat and are very hardy. Minimal care is needed other than proper pruning to maximize crops.

GRAPES

Grapes thrive in maximum sunny conditions, which is a perfect pair and match for Sacramento. With minimum chemical applications and care other than proper pruning, it is definitely a great choice.

POMEGRANATES

Pomegranates grow like weeds in our environment, beautiful fruit, and considered to be a delicacy in most of the world. Here in Sacramento, we are blessed to have them thrive. Stick one in the ground and water it once a week. That’s all they need.

FIG TREES

Fig trees do not need any chemical treatments and thrive in the heat. They produce an amazing crop and are very hardy to drought. They don’t need much water.

PINEAPPLE GUAVA

Green year-round. No need for any chemical treatments. Thrives in heat and hardy to drought. Produces tasty fruit. However, it’s important to watch out for ant infestations, which can sometimes occur. Effective ant control methods may be necessary to ensure the health of the tree and the quality of the fruit.

FUJI APPLE TREE

Fuji apple tree: Smaller trees produce a heavy crop. Has no need for chemical treatments. Thrives in the heat and hardy to drought.

PERSIMMON TREE

Persimmon trees need a little care in the beginning stages, but once established, they thrive with zero treatments and love the hot weather.

Other fruit trees such as apples, cherries, peaches, avocados, mangoes, and other delicate trees could also be grown in the Sacramento region. But they will require much more care and a lot of consistent pesticide and fungicide treatments. 

What is the best shade tree in Southern California?

The best shade tree for Southern California depends on various factors such as your specific location, soil type, available space, and desired characteristics like size, growth rate, and aesthetics. However, some popular options known for thriving in Southern California’s climate include:

Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia): Known for its stunning purple blooms in spring, the Jacaranda tree provides excellent shade and thrives in Southern California’s warm climate.

California Pepper Tree (Schinus molle): With its lush, evergreen foliage and umbrella-like canopy, the California Pepper Tree is a common choice for shade in Southern California.

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia): This fast-growing tree is valued for its dense shade and tolerance to a variety of soil types and environmental conditions, making it well-suited for Southern California.

Tipu Tree (Tipuana tipu): Native to South America, the Tipu Tree is prized for its rapid growth, dense foliage, and bright yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, providing ample shade in Southern California.

Australian Willow (Geijera parviflora): Also known as Wilga, this evergreen tree offers graceful, weeping foliage and provides excellent shade in Southern California’s climate.

Before selecting a shade tree, it’s essential to consider its water requirements, potential for invasive roots, and any local regulations or restrictions on tree planting. Consulting with a local nursery or arborist can also provide valuable insight into the best shade tree options for your specific needs and location.