What Fruit Trees Grow in Northern Illinois?

Northern Illinois typically experiences harsh winter conditions, preventing many fruit trees from growing and producing fruit. Early spring bloomers also run the risk of frost damage in late spring. To help prevent damage from late spring frost, plant the fruit trees on high ground or mounds. Also, learn about the different hardiness zones in the northern Illinois area. Hardiness zones are geographical areas in which the trees can produce fruit and withstand the climate conditions.

There are two kinds of pear trees that thrive in northern Illinois: the Bosc and the Harrow delight. Bosc pear trees reach up to 30 feet in height and bear fruit in early October. The Harrow delight can also grow up to 30 feet in height and bears fruit towards the end of August. Pear trees typically require another pear tree to cross-pollinate with in order to bear fruit, so plant at least two. Both of these pear trees require a sunny location and drained soil. Their hardiness zone is five to nine.

Various apple trees grow in northern Illinois. Redfree, Stark earliest and Braeburn are a few of the apple trees the bear fruit in the area. Mature Braeburn apple trees can grow up to 20 feet, and their fruit ripens later in the season. The Stark earliest apple trees can reach up to 12 feet in height, while Redfree apple trees can reach up to 15 feet in height. Apple trees require sufficient space in the garden for another apple tree in order to cross-pollinate and bear fruit. The soil should be well-drained and the tree planted on a sunny spot. The hardiness zones for these trees are three to nine.

Most peach trees cannot thrive in the harsh winters of northern Illinois. However, the reliance peach tree is an exception. It can grow up to 20 feet in height and is the one peach tree that can withstand freezing winter temperatures. The peaches are medium to large in size and are honey-sweet with a non-clinging pit. Mid-August is the best time to enjoy their fruit. The tree's hardiness zones are four to eight.

The Montmorency cherry tree thrives in the northern region of Illinois. This cherry tree bears sour cherries and is one of the most popular sour cherry trees in the country. The meteor cherry tree also thrives in this region and can reach up to 10 feet in height. The Mesabi cherry tree is another tree located in northern Illinois. It can reach up to 20 feet in height. These types of cherry trees do not require another tree to cross-pollinate. The best time to enjoy their fruit is during the beginning of summer. They also need to receive full sunshine. The hardiness zones for these trees is four to eight.