Berries are a delicious, nutritious addition to any garden, and while many berry bushes are well-known, there are some fascinating varieties that grow on trees. Trees that bear berries, such as elderberries, serviceberries, and others, offer the unique opportunity to grow fruit in a vertical space, which is especially beneficial for smaller gardens or orchards. These trees often provide stunning flowers in the spring, followed by delicious fruit in the summer or fall. If you're looking to expand your fruit-growing repertoire, growing berries on trees could be the perfect solution.

In this blog post, we'll explore several popular berry-bearing trees, their care needs, and how you can successfully grow these unique fruits in your garden.

1. Elderberry Trees: The Nutrient-Rich Superfruit

Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are small, dark purple or black berries that grow in clusters on large shrubs or small trees. These berries are known for their medicinal properties and are often used to make syrups, jams, and pies, as well as supplements for boosting immunity.

Growing Elderberries

  • Location: Elderberries thrive in full sun to partial shade. They are adaptable to different soil types but prefer moist, well-drained soil.

  • Planting Tips: Plant elderberry trees in a space with good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. They can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. Elderberries do best with some protection from the wind, so choose a sheltered spot.

  • Watering: These trees like consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Regular watering is essential to avoid drought stress, but be sure to avoid waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.

  • Pruning: Elderberries are fast-growing and benefit from regular pruning to keep them from becoming too large and to promote better fruiting. Prune back dead or diseased wood, and thin out the center to improve air circulation and light penetration.

Harvesting Elderberries

Elderberries typically ripen in late summer or early fall. The small berries grow in large clusters and turn a deep purple when fully ripe. Be sure to wait until the berries are fully ripe before harvesting, as unripe berries can be toxic. When harvesting, wear gloves, as the berries can stain hands and clothing.

Note: Elderberries should always be cooked before consumption, as raw berries, as well as other parts of the plant, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful if eaten in large amounts.

2. Serviceberry Trees: A Sweet, Early-Spring Delight

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) trees, also known as Juneberry or Saskatoon, are known for their beautiful spring blossoms, which resemble apple flowers, followed by sweet, blueberry-like fruit. The fruit ripens in early summer, making serviceberries one of the first fruits of the season.

Growing Serviceberries

  • Location: Serviceberry trees are adaptable to various growing conditions, thriving in full sun or partial shade. They prefer moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.

  • Planting Tips: These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. Serviceberries are small trees or large shrubs, growing to about 15-25 feet tall, making them a great option for smaller gardens or as ornamental trees.

  • Watering: Serviceberries have moderate water needs. They should be watered regularly during dry spells, but they are relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, they don’t like to sit in water, so well-draining soil is key.

  • Pruning: Prune serviceberry trees to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Thinning out some of the inner branches will help increase airflow and sunlight penetration, encouraging better fruit production.

Harvesting Serviceberries

The berries ripen in late spring to early summer and turn a deep purple when ready for harvest. Serviceberries have a sweet, blueberry-like flavor and are excellent for fresh eating, baking, or making jams and jellies. Harvest the berries when they are fully ripe, as they do not ripen off the tree. Gently shake or pick the berries by hand, as they can fall off easily when ripe.

3. Mulberry Trees: A Large, Sweet Berry for the Bold Gardener

Mulberries (Morus spp.) are a little less common than elderberries or serviceberries, but they are worth considering if you’re looking for a tree that produces copious amounts of fruit. Mulberry trees produce sweet, blackberry-like fruit that comes in a variety of colors, from white to red to black, depending on the species. The fruit ripens in late spring to early summer.

Growing Mulberries

  • Location: Mulberries thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They are quite hardy and grow well in USDA zones 4-8, making them suitable for a wide range of climates.

  • Soil: Mulberry trees are very adaptable to soil types, but they do best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. They are also quite drought-tolerant once established.

  • Planting Tips: Plant mulberry trees at least 15 feet apart, as they can grow large, with some varieties reaching heights of 30 feet or more. They can be grown as small trees or large shrubs.

  • Watering: Water mulberries deeply, especially during dry spells. While they are drought-tolerant, consistent moisture during fruiting will lead to better fruit production.

  • Pruning: Mulberry trees don’t require much pruning but can benefit from occasional thinning to improve airflow and light penetration.

Harvesting Mulberries

Mulberries ripen over a period of several weeks, so you'll need to check the tree regularly. The berries are easy to pick by hand, and they fall off the tree when fully ripe. They have a sweet, juicy flavor and are perfect for fresh eating, baking, or preserving. Use them to make delicious jams, pies, and even wines.

4. Other Berry-Bearing Trees to Consider

1. Chokecherry Trees

Chokecherries (Prunus virginiana) are small trees that bear clusters of dark purple to black berries. These berries are extremely tart and not usually eaten fresh, but they make excellent jams, jellies, and syrups. Chokecherry trees thrive in USDA zones 2-8 and are known for their adaptability to various soil types and climates.

2. Beach Plum Trees

Beach plums (Prunus maritima) are native to the East Coast of the U.S. and are small trees that bear small, sweet, and tart fruit. These trees grow well in coastal regions but can also be grown in USDA zones 4-9. The fruit is often used for making jams, jellies, and preserves.

3. Black Cherry Trees

Black cherry trees (Prunus serotina) are large trees that produce small, dark cherries. While they’re typically not as sweet as cultivated varieties, they’re great for making jams, jellies, and even wine. Black cherry trees are hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and grow well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

5. General Tips for Growing Berry-Bearing Trees

  • Pollination: Many berry trees are self-pollinating, but some benefit from cross-pollination with another variety. Be sure to plant multiple trees or varieties if needed for better fruit yields.

  • Mulch: Apply mulch around the base of berry trees to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

  • Protection from Birds: Birds love berries, so be sure to cover trees with bird netting or harvest the fruit as soon as it ripens to protect your crop.

  • Soil Health: Keep the soil around your trees healthy by adding compost, organic matter, or organic fertilizers. Berry trees thrive in well-balanced, fertile soil.

Conclusion

Growing berries on trees is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh fruit while adding beauty and diversity to your garden or orchard. Elderberries, serviceberries, mulberries, and other berry-bearing trees provide not only delicious fruit but also ornamental value with their vibrant flowers, attractive foliage, and unique growth habits. Whether you're looking to enjoy sweet, juicy berries for fresh eating, baking, or preserving, these trees are a wonderful addition to any landscape.

So, why not consider planting one of these berry-bearing trees today? With a little care and attention, you'll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come!

🍇 Do you have a favorite berry tree in your garden? Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments below!