There are many fruit trees to choose from in Surrey’s USDA garden zone 8. That said, we all have slightly different conditions in our yards—even on the same street. In today’s blog article we are going to make some recommendations for fruit trees that will generally do well in Surrey. Keep in mind that Surrey is a big place, and south Surrey may be a little windier or milder than north Surrey just because it is closer to the water.

Fruit Tree Suggestions

In general, apples, plums, and pears will all do well in Surrey. See what we (Art Knapp) or your local garden centre has to offer. Apple, plum, and pear trees are all closely related. They are also deer favourites, so you will have to protect them from deer grazing when they are young.

Apple, plum, and pear trees also are typically not self-pollinating. That means that unless you have several of them already growing in the neighbourhood, you will get a better crop if you plant two or three of the same fruit tree in a fairly close range, like within 100 feet.

Beyond apples, plums, and pears, you can also grow peaches and apricots. Choose varieties that have been bred for our Pacific Northwest climate and will tolerate a rainy season.

Fig trees can also do well. Figs are self-pollinating so you only need one. Pick one that is well branched and bushy. They can get quite large and bear lots of fruit. Some will bear twice in a season.

Quince trees do very well. Make sure you choose the fruiting kind and not the decorative one that only flowers. Many people are not familiar with quince and do not know what to do with the fruit. Hint: quince fruits are high in pectin and have a sweet, flowery smell and taste. They are excellent additions to jam.

Cherry trees can also do well here. There are sweet cherries and sour cherries. Sour cherries are excellent for jam, baking, and preserving in alcohol. Sour cherries do great in a sandy, rocky soil. Sweet cherries are slightly fussier and may need a richer soil. Also, remember that you may need to net cherry trees when they are young or birds will steal your cherries.

Please feel free to come and visit our store in Surrey to see our selection of fruit trees for many others not mentioned here. We will be happy to talk to you about fruit trees. 

Art Knapp has 15 locations across British Columbia and is well known as the go-to garden centre for everything garden-related. Art Knapp, himself, began the business in the 1940's, and now, 80 years later, you can find more than he ever dreamed of in our stores. Come and see us on King George Boulevard in Surrey. 

If you have any questions about this article or want to talk to us about gardening, just give us a call at (604) 596-9201.