We’ve diving into the world of fruit trees and shade trees with Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery, Professor of Horticulture at Humber College, the holder of a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) from the University of Guelph, and a frequent gardening celebrity on CTV news with an encyclopedic knowledge of plants and landscape design.
Fruit Trees & Shade Trees
In the world of gardening, few things are as rewarding as growing your own fruit trees and shade trees. Tanya Olsen says, “Adding edible trees, like cherry blossom trees, to your existing landscape so you can see them, maintain them and have easy access to eat them is important.” Not only do they ‘beautify’ your space, but they also provide you with delicious, fresh fruit & stunning foliage year after year.
Watch our Fruit Trees and Shade Tree video or scroll to continue reading.
Thumbnail image with link to Fruit Trees & Shade Tree Video on our youtube channel.
Indoor Fruit Trees
Did you know you can grow fruit trees indoors? Yes, you can! Tanya suggests considering citrus trees such as grapefruits, oranges, lemons, limes, guava, and olives! These trees will add a touch of greenery to your indoor spaces. If you help pollinate the flowers or put them outdoors in the summer, over time, fig, citrus, olive, and guava trees will also give you fresh, homegrown fruit. Royal City Nursery carries a variety of citrus trees at various times of the year (sign up to our newsletter to find out when)!
Outdoor Fruit Trees
Top Tip: It’s popular to plant your edible trees where you’ll see them, want to harvest fruit easily and not at the back of your garden hidden away!
For outdoor fruit trees, Tanya recommends apples, pears, plums and cherry trees in the Guelph, Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo areas. These trees:
Maintenance Tips for Fruit Trees and Shade Trees
In the spring, it’s essential to spray your fruit trees and ornamental trees with a dormant spray kit. This spray, which includes lime sulfur and horticultural oil, helps deal with overwinter diseases and insect eggs. It’s best to do this before the buds crack open, usually in late March or early April, to protect your trees and ensure a healthy growing season.
Choosing the Right Location for Fruit Trees and Shade Trees
When planting fruit trees and shade trees, consider where you place them. Place your fruit trees where you can see and interact with them, making it easier to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Shade trees, such as ginkgo, maple, linden, honey locust, oak, and other native trees, are also crucial.
Saving Money on Your Utility Bills!
Did you know that shade trees can lower your utility bills? Plant shade trees on the south or southwest side of your home to provide shade in the summer and warmth in the winter making your home more energy-efficient. There are a lot of benefits from adding trees to your landscape.
Planting fruit and shade for the future
As Tanya’s grandfather wisely said “Gardener’s plant hope”. Planting trees, whether fruit or shade trees, is one of the most sustainable things we can do as gardeners. It’s an investment in the future, providing beauty, fruit, shade, and a healthier environment for generations to come.
As Earth Day approaches, let’s all commit to planting a tree. It doesn’t matter what kind of tree; just make sure it’s appropriate for your space. Join us this Earth Day to celebrate our planet, our love of plants, and our community. Together, we can make a difference, one tree at a time. Happy Gardening!
About Tanya Olsen:
Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.
Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.
Has a weekly segment on CTV news.
Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
YWCA Woman of Distinction.
About Royal City Nursery:
Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers.
