With spring approaching, it’s time for would-be fruit-growers to begin choosing the trees they intend to plant this year. Planting and growing in Alaska brings a particular set of challenges: the plants you select must be hardy enough to withstand the long, cold winters and late frosts while still delivering fruit that’s enjoyable to consume. Whether you intend to perform all the work yourself or hire a tree service to assist you, here are some varieties of fruit trees with records of success in the Alaskan environment.

5 Fruit Trees to Grow in Alaska

1. Geneva Early Apple Trees

This apple tree can survive extremely low temperatures of -30 degrees Fahrenheit to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (referred to as zone three by the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Unlike many of the other trees that grow in cold climates, its fruit is great for fresh consumption, and will also keep for a month or more. It ripens in early September, during the height of apple season.

2. Patterson Apple Trees

Patterson trees survive in colder extremes than Geneva Early trees, predominantly in zones one and two, where temperatures can get lower than -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Native to Canada, this tree bears apples that are crisp and juicy with a good flavor.

3. North Star Dwarf Cherry Trees

While sweet cherry varieties struggle throughout Alaska, those that produce the tart cherries used in pies tend to grow better. The North Star Dwarf is one such variety. It grows six to eight feet high, and, in the Anchorage area, ripens around late July to early August. The fruit keeps for two weeks, providing plenty of time for all your baking needs.

4. Summer Crisp Pear Trees

All varieties of pear trees are difficult to grow in extremely cold climates, and growers mostly attempt them for experimental purposes. To give your tree the best chance of success, plant it with a different variety nearby to aid in cross-pollination. The Summer Crisp, as an efficient pollinator, is a good option for this. It has been known to survive -35 degree temperatures, making it a possibility for Southcentral and Southeast Alaska.

 

To give your fruit trees the best chance of survival in Alaska, a professional tree service can provide the edge you need. The trained arborists at Carlos Tree Service have years of experience in offering tree care, stump removal, and pruning assistance around Anchorage. Since 1993, they’ve offered fair prices and efficient work to their clients. Learn more about how the tree service can assist you by visiting them online or calling (907) 522-6049.