Guest post by Reggie Moore

When looking for which fruit trees to plant in a dry or desert climate, there are several unique choices that thrive in drought. Having a fruit tree in the yard in a dry climate is a wonderful experience because annually there is new life and sustenance in a place that is typically thought of as dry and lifeless.

Figs

One of the top choices for fruit trees to grow in a dry climate is the fig tree. The sweet fruit is great for eating fresh or preserving, and it also contains potassium, calcium, and fiber. The tree is best planted in spring or fall, with about 20 feet of space around the tree, since it can put down deep roots. It will need about 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. When the fig tree is first starting to grow, it will need to be watered once a week on average. In the winter, dead branches should be pruned to make room for the others. The sweet fruit should be picked when fully ripe and soft, then used within 2-3 days, frozen, or canned. The fruit is generally brown when ripe, but some varieties are lighter colors like green or gold.

Citrus and Jujube

Citrus fruits such as orange and lemon are two other great fruit trees that can grow well in warm, dry climates such as Southern California. This area typically has winters above 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Because there is warm weather year around, the citrus trees thrive. Jujube is also a small fruit tree that is great for dry climates. It grows on a tree with small leaves, and the fruit is small and red with a pit. The jujube fruit is known for its high level of antioxidants as well as potassium and vitamin C. This tree can grow anywhere from 15 to 40 feet tall and its roots love to grow and can be invasive, so it needs ample growing space when planted.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates can be grown as bushes or trees. The edible part of the fruit is called the arils, and it is a sweet, juicy fruit enclosed by a tough, smooth skin that often has a red tint to it. Pomegranate trees need a lot of sun, and during the first year they will need consistent watering. After a year, the pomegranate tree will only need periodic watering. Fortunately, these plants grow well in any type of soil.

A Note on Care

Oftentimes it can be easy to get overwhelmed by life and the care for your trees can end up dropping lower on your list of immediate priorities. If you do need to hire someone to pick up the slack or give you an analysis, make sure they are able to service and care for the trees you have planted. Nothing is worse than having bad help ruin your harvest (or kill your trees), so make sure you find competent help.

Sometimes you need some help figuring out what the problem is with your trees if it falls outside your experience. When doing your research into the problem, look up professional blogs or help pages from companies that specialize in tree problems. For example, with a quick search of the Giroud Tree and Lawn page, I was able to quickly find a diagnosing guide for unhealthy trees.

Enjoying the Fruit!

Having fruit trees in a dry climate can be a lot of fun. For watering in the early days after planting or occasional pruning, having a professional lawn care service can be helpful for the busy homeowner. Enjoying the fruit each year is the best part!

Reggie Moore is a professional writer and proto-entrepreneur. When not trying to tinker with a new thing, process, or idea, Reggie can usually be found saying the words “Well, actually…” to an unsuspecting bystander.