Drought tolerant plants and trees, stone beds, and a cactus or two typically dominate Las Vegas landscape designs. Palm, acacia, and mesquite trees can be seen all over town. Yet there is a surprising number of fruit trees in Nevada yards—a splash of delicious beauty against the often hostile desert background.

Types of Fruit Trees in Nevada

Deciduous fruit trees can do quite well in Las Vegas weather conditions. Citrus varieties may also flourish, although they are more susceptible to winter frost. Some fruits that typically work well include pomegranates, apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, persimmon, and figs.

You will probably choose your tree based on a combination of the aesthetic value it brings to your overall landscape design and your predilection for the type of fruit it produces.

Points to Consider When Selecting Fruit Trees

Important points to consider when selecting your edible garden decor include “winter chill hours,” which refer to the amount of time recommended at temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for a particular fruit tree. A low winter chill requirement is 400 hours or fewer; 400–700 hours ranks as moderate; over 700 ranks as high. For typical Las Vegas winters, expect the best production from fruit trees with lower winter chill requirements.

Another point to keep in mind is pollination. Some fruit trees need another tree with a different variety of the same fruit to produce fruit of their own. Generally speaking, there are plenty of fruit trees that do not need a pollinator, and your local nursery can assist in verifying which trees self-pollinate. Star Nursery in Las Vegas provides a comprehensive online list of desert fruit trees and their requirements.

As with any locale, successfully growing fruit trees in Nevada requires generous watering and understanding of soil and sun requirements. When to plant also makes a crucial difference in how your fruit tree will grow and progress. Check the time of year recommended for planting your tree.

Pests in the Desert

Be aware that your fruit trees in Nevada may attract unwanted guests. Here again, your local nursery should prove an excellent source of guidance for protecting against insect invasions. Not only will you need the correct pesticide for the job; you will need a thorough understanding of application amounts. Too little, and the insects win the battle. Too much, and your fruit trees won’t hold up any better than the insect population that you are eradicating.

A Bountiful Harvest

After selecting a species of fruit tree known to thrive in the Las Vegas climate, plant it at the appropriate time of year in a place that provides the right amount of shade and light, water, and protection from winter chill. It will soon be time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Photo Source: Flickr

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