Hot Locations are Tough for Fruit Trees and ALL Plants

Q. I have a very hot location I want to plant. It’s facing West. I had a 'Pink Lady' apple tree in that spot but I think it was just too hot for it. It died in a couple of years. What do you suggest?

Hot locations are tough on fruit trees. Afternoon shade is better for the plant.

A. Hot locations are tough. From the look at the picture you sent there does not seem to be much air movement. Just a lot of reflected heat from high walls. In my opinion, that area will get super cold in the winter as well. I know you are in a hurry want to get it done. But do you want it to survive?

I would put a waterproof, recording thermometer in that area to track temperatures both during the heat of the summer and cold of the winter.

High/low battery operated recording thermometers have been around for decades.

Not having much air movement can have both good things about it and bad things. The main advantage to that “hot” location is blockage of the wind.

            In spots like that I would recommend first to cut back on reflected heat. Cover this area with about 50% shade cloth until the tree gets grows enough to cast its own shade on the walls and soil. While shade cloth is provided, grow a deciduous vine that likes the heat, such as catclaw vine, so that it covers the wall. Covering the wall during the heat of summer reduces the reflected heat to that area. Provide shade for that spot for about four to six years if the tree grows quickly. The fruit tree should start producing in the second to fourth year depending on what is grown.

            Let the temperatures recorded there dictate what to plant in the future. Personally, I think apples, pears and other related fruit trees may be a poor choice for that spot due to excessive heat. Most citrus, except Myer lemon, grapefruit, kumquat, and tangerine may work if the winter temperatures are warm enough. Apricot or pomegranate are better choices.