Type

• Choose the type of fruit that you want to eat. Trees need to be pollinated to grow fruit. Look for trees that are self pollinating, otherwise you will have to plant two of the same type of tree but of a different variety. Look for trees that bear fruit during different seasons if you have space for more that one type of tree.
  
  

Climate

• Choose trees that grow best in your climate. Go to your local nursery and purchase trees that were grown locally to ensure they thrive in your climate. Citrus trees grow well in hot, dry climates; they need water but not continually damp soil. Plum trees do well in damp soil conditions, but peaches and apples do not.
  
  

Space

• Choose the tree based on how much space it needs and whether or not it will drop leaves. Some trees come in dwarf or semi-dwarf sizes. Dwarf trees need approximately an 8-foot-diameter plot of earth; they stay small and do not drop many leaves. Semi-dwarf trees need about a 15-foot-diameter plot, grow 10 to 16 feet in height and sometimes drop leaves, depending on the variety. A standard-size tree needs a 20-foot-diameter or more plot and can grow taller than 25 feet. Citrus trees generally do not drop leaves. Plum trees are messy and drop leaves and fruit.
  
  

Choosing a Tree

• Buy a tree that is strong and healthy. Ask your place of purchase what the return policy is on a tree that dies. When choosing a fruit tree, look for one that has a strong, straight trunk. The tree should have one straight leader or branch that grows straight up in the middle of the trunk. The tree should have an even number of branches all the way around and should not look lopsided. Make sure the roots look like they have been kept damp and protected from the sun or damage.
  
  

Prepare the Location

• Prepare your soil. Most soil needs to be enriched. If your soil is clay or sandy, it may need even more enrichment. Buy organic compost and planting mix and mix it into the location where the tree will be planted. If you are planting on a slope, you may need to level it out or put in a small terrace for the tree. Some trees need a lot of sun and others do not. Ask the nursery where you purchased the tree what type of soil, sun and drainage is needed for the tree.