• A variety of fruit and nut trees can grow in Tennessee's warm climate.tree image by Jonathan Blyth from Fotolia.com
  
  Located in the Middle South region for growing and planting trees, Memphis, Tennessee’s mild climate is ideal for aspiring fruit and/or nut growers. With 55 to 60 inches of rainfall yearly and plenty of sunshine during the peak growing season, fruit and nut trees have much opportunity to flourish. A wide variety of fruit and nut trees thrive in Tennessee, so there’s plenty to choose from when considering what to plant in Memphis.
  
  

Nut Trees

• Pecan and black walnut trees flourish in Memphis, requiring little maintenance and providing not only nuts, but plenty of shade. According to David Lockwood, professor of Plant and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee, Chinese chestnuts are particularly recommended for this area (disease virtually wiped out the American chestnut in the 1950s). Chinese chestnuts have a high degree of resistance to the disease, but they may succumb to weevil infestations. Other nut trees thriving in the Memphis region include hazelnuts, heartnuts and "hicans," a cross between pecans and hickory nuts.
  
  

Fruit Trees

• Popular fruit trees grown in the Memphis area include apple and pear trees. Consider varieties that are especially resistant to disease, such as 'Liberty' apples or 'Moonglow' pears. Both apple and pear trees provide wonderful shade during warm months and need little pruning. Persimmons, mulberries and pawpaws (fruits similar to a large berries) are also recommended for this area.
  
  

Stone Fruits

• Stone fruit trees, such as plums, nectarines, peaches and cherries, are especially popular in this region. However, because these fruits tend to bloom early, late frosts may present a problem for growing and crop production. Cross-pollination is unnecessary with stone fruits; most of them self-fertilize. Few varieties of stone fruits are available because of the lack of need for cross-pollination, but rest assured, your trees will still bear ample fruit. According to the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, tart or sour cherries produce much better fruit here than the sweet variety does.