At Great Plains Nursery, we’re passionate about helping you build landscapes that support both people and wildlife. While many classic orchard fruit trees are not native to the Great Plains, they can still play a meaningful role in a diverse, wildlife-friendly yard. When planted thoughtfully, these trees provide seasonal beauty, fresh food, and essential habitat, especially when paired with native trees, shrubs, and perennials!
In this post, we’re highlighting some of our favorite fruit tree varieties that are forming fruit in early summer. Whether you’re interested in creating a backyard orchard, supporting birds and pollinators, or simply enjoying homegrown produce, these trees offer both function and flavor.
What Fruit Trees Offer in June
June is a dynamic month in the life of fruit trees. Many of the blooms from May have now transitioned into developing fruit, providing growing interest in your landscape and food for wildlife.
- Apple Trees (Freedom, Liberty, Cortland): These varieties will begin to form young fruit. Their dense canopy provides shade, and the emerging apples support birds and insects as the season progresses. More information: Growing apples in the home garden | UMN Extension or Growing Apples in the Home Orchard | Ohioline
- Pear Trees (Bartlett, Parker): Pears will begin to take shape, adding texture and seasonal appeal to your garden. Their upright form works well in both traditional and native landscaping designs. More information: Growing pears in the home garden | UMN Extension
- Peach Trees (Elberta): These trees develop fuzzy green fruit that will ripen in mid to late summer. They also draw in pollinators and insects that feed birds during nesting season. For more information: Elberta Peach: America’s Favorite Peach | Arbor Day Foundation
- Cherry Trees (Montmorency): The end of June brings the first ripening fruit—perfect timing for robins, waxwings, and other fruit-loving birds. These trees add ornamental beauty as well as ecological value. More information: Learn About Montmorency Cherry – Arbor Day Foundation
Why Fruit Trees Matter in Sustainable Landscaping
Incorporating fruit trees into sustainable landscaping brings the best of both worlds: a personal supply of homegrown produce and a reliable food source for birds and pollinators. While not all fruit trees are native, they can complement native plants by adding diversity, seasonal interest, and food sources for birds and pollinators, especially during critical times like migration or late summer.
By integrating fruit trees into your native landscaping, you create a more self-sustaining, wildlife-friendly space that supports Nebraska’s broader ecosystem. Whether you’re creating a full orchard or just adding one or two fruit trees to your yard, we’re here to help you grow with purpose. Reach out to us for guidance on choosing fruit trees that work well alongside native shrubs, grasses, and other native plants that support Nebraska’s unique ecology. And for more resources on bird-friendly trees and shrubs, check out our full blog series from Nebraska Bird Month.
Managing Bird Damage for Personal Fruit Use
If you are planning on adding a fruit tree (or two!) to your landscape, it is important to be aware that birds are often attracted to fruit-bearing trees, sometimes causing damage and leading to heartache if you end up with a less-than-dreamed-of harvest. So, if you’re growing fruit trees primarily for yourself and not for the birds, here are some tips on managing bird-related issues, courtesy of the New England Tree Fruit Management Guide:
- Pecking Fruit: Birds, such as blue jays, crows, and ravens, can damage fruit by pecking holes in it, particularly in late summer and fall. This is especially common in varieties like Cortland and Honeycrisp. Removing the damaged fruit immediately may help deter further attacks if you notice pecking. Some growers leave the pecked fruit on the tree, hoping that birds will focus on those instead.
- Fruit Buds: Birds like ruffed grouse and evening grosbeaks sometimes feed on fruit buds in winter, especially in trees located near woods or bird feeders. This can result in bud damage and, ultimately, a loss of fruit. To prevent this, consider relocating bird feeders away from your orchards or pruning nearby trees to reduce access.
- Breaking Branches: Larger birds, such as crows and ravens, may damage young trees by breaking branches, mainly if soap bars are used as deer deterrents. If this happens, try repositioning soap bars out of reach or moving them to areas where birds cannot land on delicate branches.
- Bark Damage: Woodpeckers, like yellow-bellied sapsuckers, may peck at the bark of your fruit trees. While this is typically not a big issue, it can cause minor damage. Netting or other deterrents can help reduce this activity.
