Fruiting Trees, Shrubs, and Perennial Plants
An overview, history, and guide to fruiting plants and trees in Boston
A fruiting tree, shrub, or plant is any species that bears edible fruits. A perennial plant is any species that returns year over year, without having to be replanted. On this page, learn more about fruiting trees, shrubs, and perennial plants and growing them in Boston.
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Still have questions? Contact:
GrowBoston
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12 Channel Street
9th FloorBoston, MA 02210
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Many thanks to the Boston Food Forest Coalition for their collaboration on this article.
Overview and Benefits
You may be surprised to learn that Boston is home to a wide variety of fruiting trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Examples include grapes, currants, alpine strawberries, asian pears, paw paws, and persimmons — the list goes on! Fruit trees are well-integrated into Boston’s urban landscape. You can find them in public green spaces, food forests, community gardens, and private yards.
There are many species of fruit trees, shrubs, and perennial plants, each requiring different care and maintenance. These species have different timelines to maturity and different harvests/uses. Given differing growing conditions in the City (light, microclimates, etc.), different plants give unique opportunities for successful growth.
While fruiting trees, shrubs, and perennial plants produce food, they also greatly benefit urban ecosystems. They:
- enhance biodiversity,
- stabilize and remediate soil,
- cool the air temperature, and
- offer habitat for birds, insects, and pollinators.
The presence of these trees, shrubs, and plants in our neighborhoods also improves human and community health. They offer healthy food while incorporating nature into the city, which is known to improve mental health in individuals. Green spaces designed around the presence of these plant species also offer valuable community resources, serving as spaces where neighbors can meet, collaborate, and build resiliency through relationships.
A Partial History
There are many fruiting trees, shrubs, and perennial plants that are native to the Boston area. A native species is one that evolved naturally in a specific geographic area over a long period of time. Examples of plants native to the Boston area include American Persimmon, Beach Plum, Eastern Serviceberry, Black Cherry, and Wild Crabapple. It's worth noting that most of the fruit trees you see in Boston are not native species, but rather varieties from other regions. Many non-native species are ecologically valuable and compatible with our climate.
Before European settlement, Indigenous Peoples of the Eastern United States were active and passive promoters of mast (nuts and acorns) and fruit trees. Mast was one of the most important resources for nutrients and calories. They commonly utilized chestnut, oak, and hickory. Fruit trees were prevalent in landscapes with human presence. Indigenous peoples planted and cultivated over 20 fruit trees. After European settlement, Indigenous populations utilized new fruit trees introduced by the Europeans into their cultivation and diet.
Beginning in the 1600s, European settlement brought new fruit tree varieties. Historical highlights of apple and pear cultivation include:
- In 1623, America’s first orchard was planted on Beacon Hill.
- In 1635, America’s oldest heirloom apple, the Roxbury Russet, was first grown in Roxbury. Around the same time, the oldest standing fruit tree in America was planted in Essex country.
- In 1817, Enoch Bartlett sold the first pear in America.
Boston’s long legacy of fruit tree cultivation is still taking place through food forests and permaculture today!
Planting and Care Instructions
Which fruit tree species is best for Boston's climate?
Look for trees that can tolerate cold winters and short growing seasons. They should be suitable for your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. Choose cold-hardy varieties of fruit trees like apples and pears. Be sure to research or ask your local plant nursery what will winter over well in New England.
Planting
Plant towards the end of winter or the first half of spring. Make sure the ground is not frozen before planting. You’ll want to choose your site wisely, factoring in sunlight, soil quality, and wind influence. Pick a location with around six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Select an area with well-draining soil, avoiding compacted or clay soil. Lastly, plant your tree in an area with protection from strong winds. Before planting, conduct a soil test. This will determine its pH and nutrient level, and determine soil amendment as necessary. See our guide for soil testing for more information.
To begin planting:
- Soak the root ball with water to remove any air pockets.
- Dig a hole just big enough to hold the roots.
- Form a cone of soil at the center of the hole to support the roots.
- Put the tree in the hole and fill it with the remaining soil.
- Use a heavy stream of water to set the roots in place.
- Dig a basin around the tree. This should be a 4-foot wide donut shape around the base. It will capture rainwater and let it percolate into the root system.
If mulching around the base of your fruit tree, always keep the mulch away from the base of the tree by up to a foot. When in contact with the bark, mulch will void a tree’s ability to protect itself from insects, excessive moisture, mold, and disease.
Watering
Keep the soil moist.
During the first year after planting a tree, it is important to establish the root system. Do this by watering deeply and consistently. Do not overwater, though. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil near the roots. Generally, fruit trees need water every 7-10 days, depending on the time of year, environmental factors, and species. When watering, it is important to fully soak the roots. This is best done by a slow delivery of water over several hours. You may consider using drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or tree watering bags to support regular watering.
Pruning
Prioritize health, safety, and aesthetics.
Pruning is the cutting back of branches or foliage. Pruning maintains shape and improves the growth of a tree. The best time to prune is in early spring, and again in mid-summer. The pruning process includes removing dead or damaged branches, thinning out crowded branches, and “training” the tree to grow toward an efficient and concentrated harvest. (For a more detailed guide, check out USDA Forest Service’s how-to on pruning trees.)
Harvesting
Be gentle and patient.
The first fruit to ripen is on the outside of the tree. Work from the outside in when picking fruit. The first step to picking fruit is holding the fruit in hand. Next, twist the fruit until it comes off. Do not pull down or shake the tree so the fruit does not fall. Harvest every few days. (For a more detailed guide, check out Boston Food Forest Coalition’s how-to on harvesting apples and pears.)
Local Regulation
When planting or removing fruit trees be sure to follow all zoning laws, environmental regulations, and pesticide and herbicide restrictions.
Some guidelines to follow:
- Trees must stay on your own property (cannot grow onto another private or public property)
- Trees cannot interfere with power lines
- Trees must be 10 feet from any light poles, driveways, or hydrants
- Tree species should fit the neighborhood
Community Involvement
Want to get involved in the community of practice around edible plants in Boston? Visit a fruit tree/shrub growing space or get involved with local community organizations!
Fruiting Tree, Shrub, and Plant Growing Spaces
Food Forests
- Boston Nature Center Food Forest
- Edgewater Food Forest at River Street
- Ellington Street Community Food Forest Garden
- HERO Hope Garden Food Forest
- Old West Church Food Forest
- Uphams Corner Food Forest
Other Fruit-Growing Spaces
- The Arnold Arboretum
- Egleston Community Orchard
- Lewis Place Orchard
- Mclaughlin Playground
- Nira Rock Urban Wild
- Rockies Urban Wild
- Savin Hill Wildlife Garden
Related Community Organizations
- Boston Area Gleaners addresses food insecurity through farm-level food recovery work. Get involved with Boston Area Gleaners by volunteering on a glean.
- The Boston Food Forest Coalition expands access to public, edible parks. Visit Boston Food Forest Coalition parks, get involved as a park steward, or reach out to explore building a NEW food forest park in your neighborhood (BFFC parks map, reach out through BFFC’s website).
- Speak for the Trees Boston’s mission is to celebrate, preserve, and plant trees in Boston. Get involved by volunteering, planting, or participating in a tree giveaway.
- Tree Eastie is a community-based urban forestry program. Get involved in planting, caring, and advocating for trees on the Tree Eastie Care Team.
Resources
Resources-
Still have questions? Contact:
GrowBoston
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12 Channel Street
9th FloorBoston, MA 02210
-
Many thanks to the Boston Food Forest Coalition for their collaboration on this article.
