Most deciduous fruit trees will be sold at area nurseries in bare-root form from around late December through February. Bare-root season is usually the best time to buy since prices are cheaper when trees are sold without leaves, soil and a container. You'll not only get the best selection, but trees are easier to plant in bare-root form. Most first-rate nurseries will even give your new trees a frist pruning. Don't be hesitant to buy these "twigs" because they'll soon leaf out.
Be aware that many fruit trees come in standard and dwarf sizes. Standard fruit trees can eventually grow to 35 feet or more. Most homeowners in subdivision houses would probably be better served with semi-dwarf fruit trees. Semi-dwarfs will usually stay between 10 and 15 feet with regular winter pruning. A few fruit trees, such as peaches and nectarines, are available as genetic dwarfs that don't get any larger than 5 feet. Don't confuse citrus trees, including lemons and oranges, with fruit trees. Citrus are evergreen and are not sold in bare-root form. Some citrus, particularly lemons and limes, also are tender to frost and should not be planted this time of year.
Remember, too, that some fruit trees require pollinizers. This means you'll need two different variety trees to provide the proper pollination. Examples are cherry trees. You can't just plant a Bing cherry, for example. Instead, you'll need to plant both a Bing and Black Tartarian to provide pollination so it will fruit. Cherries, plums and some apples are examples of fruit trees that normally require pollination. It is possible to buy so-called "three-in-one" or "two-in-one" trees that have been grafted to provide pollination from the same tree. It should be noted that even with varieties that are self-pollinators, most will bear yields with cross-pollination.
As for what varieties to plant, check with friends and neighbors or plant varieties you like. Your nursery person should be assist. Normally, only varieties that do well locally are sold locally.
Plant fruit trees in the right place. Fruit trees require full sun for maximum protection. Plant in fertile, well-draining soil. If you have a lot of heavy clay, which everyone around here does, amend your soil first before planting. Mix in organic compost, peat moss, soil conditioners, etc. Don't make the beginning gardener's biggest mistake and plant trees too close together. If you live in a wind tunnel, properly stake newly planted trees to prevent them from snapping in the first big storm.
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