Best Fruit Trees for South Orange County

There is no single best fruit tree for every Orange County property. Coastal exposure, inland heat, drainage, available space, winter chill and irrigation all affect what will thrive. These are some of Earth People's most useful starting points for local edible landscapes.

Citrus

Meyer lemon, Bearss lime, mandarins, navels and Valencia oranges are excellent candidates where citrus can legally be sourced and moved under current regulations. Choose varieties by flavor, harvest season, space and local conditions.

Avocados

Hass, Lamb Hass and Fuerte are popular choices. Avocados demand excellent drainage and careful irrigation. Where space allows, combining compatible A- and B-flowering types can improve pollination opportunity.

Low-chill stone fruit

Warm-winter areas require attention to chill requirements. Low-chill peaches, nectarines and plums can provide outstanding backyard harvests when the variety matches the microclimate.

Figs and pomegranates

Figs and pomegranates are strong additions to diversified edible landscapes and can be useful where homeowners want seasonal fruit beyond citrus and avocado.

Choose by property, not by popularity

Before buying, consider mature canopy size, sun, drainage, irrigation, harvest timing, pollination, maintenance and how the tree fits the rest of the landscape.

Browse our curated South Orange County fruit trees, or review The Earth People Planting Standard™ before installation.