--- title: "Fruit Trees in Gardens and Public Spaces: Practical Tips | Tree Nursery Ebben" description: Out with paving, in with fruit trees. The trend is unstoppable. What should you take into account, and what are our favorites? Find out here. image: https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Zanthoxylum%20simulans%20350-400-HM-231103-1.webp --- [← Back to Blog Overview](https://blog.ebben.nl/en) # Fruit Trees in Gardens and Public Spaces: Practical Tips ![](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/Zanthoxylum%20simulans%20350-400-HM-231103-1.webp?width=850&name=Zanthoxylum%20simulans%20350-400-HM-231103-1.webp) At a time when ecological awareness is accelerating, the need for nature and authentic natural experiences is growing. While it was once normal to harvest food directly from nature, that connection has largely been lost over time. Today, especially in our highly urbanized society, we are eager to rediscover it. This is reflected in the trend of planting more vegetation with edible fruits—not only in private gardens but also in public spaces. In this article, we share some practical considerations and our favorite choices. ### Replacing Paving with Fruit Trees Even without campaigns like “National Tile Removal” initiatives, more and more people are making their gardens greener. In that context, fruit trees have gained enormous popularity. They offer many benefits, such as an abundance of blossom in spring and delicious juicy fruit later in the year. And even the smallest garden usually has room for one. Still, there are some points of attention for successful fruit tree cultivation. Factors such as sensitivity to wind and positioning in relation to the sun are more critical for an orchard than for a purely ornamental garden. Some fruits also need a long autumn to ripen properly. For example, the fruit of the medlar (*Mespilus germanica*) only develops full flavor after the leaves have dropped, allowing more light to reach the plant. Soil type and available space are also important criteria: multi-stemmed trees need more room, while dwarf trees remain smaller. Where space is limited, espalier forms or climbing fruit plants may provide a solution. And last but not least: don’t forget pollination. Without pollination, most fruit trees will not bear fruit. ### Challenges in Public Spaces Public fruit trees are becoming increasingly common. A growing number of municipalities are planting them in parks, green belts, new neighborhoods, and specific areas such as sports grounds and schoolyards, often at the initiative of or in collaboration with residents. Where once there was hesitation about mixing fruit trees with public use, the positive effects are now widely recognized. The benefits for community engagement are significant. Harvesting fruit together fosters neighborhood connections, while simply seeing spring blossoms has a strong positive impact on people’s experience of their environment. Residents are often directly involved in planting and maintenance, creating a sense of shared responsibility. Even the fear of insects has been replaced by appreciation for their positive role in ecosystems. Still, clear agreements on maintenance are essential. Management is not only about pruning and care, but also about harvesting the fruit to prevent problems with fallen or rotting produce. Careful selection of species, combined with clear information about harvest times and uses, can prevent many issues. While maintenance can be relatively labor-intensive for municipalities, the benefits far outweigh the effort when the right tree is planted in the right place. The result is a better living environment for both people and wildlife. Our Favorites [Chinese Pepper Tree (Zanthoxylum simulans),](https://www.ebben.nl/en/treeebb/zasimula-zanthoxylum-simulans/#?search%5B0%5D=Zanthoxylum%20simulans) at first glance, the Chinese pepper tree does not appear to bear remarkable or useful fruit, but it is well worth planting. The valuable parts are the seed husks formed in mid-October. Once dried, these produce the famous Sichuan peppercorns, known for their sharp, tingling, and numbing flavor. Although not true peppercorns, they are a vital ingredient in Chinese and Korean cuisine, particularly in dishes like Mapo tofu. The crushed leaves release a fresh lemon scent, while both fruit and husks have a distinctive, peppery fragrance. The small, deciduous tree is hardy, disease-resistant, and adaptable. In summer its inconspicuous flowers provide nectar for bees, in autumn it shows yellow foliage, and in winter its thorny, irregular silhouette adds ornamental value. [Lotus Tree (Diospyros lotus)](https://www.ebben.nl/en/treeebb/dilotus-diospyros-lotus/#?search%5B0%5D=Diospyros%20lotus), also known as date plum or Caucasian persimmon, *Diospyros lotus* originates from China and has been cultivated for centuries across West Asia and the Mediterranean. In its native habitat, it can reach 20 meters, but in cultivation it usually grows 8–12 meters tall. With its half-open, oval, irregular crown, it becomes broader with age. The leaves are glossy dark green with lighter, hairy undersides, turning golden yellow in autumn. Female trees bloom with small whitish-pink flowers in June, followed by plum-like fruits that ripen from yellow to purple or blue-black in October–November. About 2–3 cm in size, the fruits resemble miniature tomatoes and taste sweet to slightly astringent. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or preserved. *Diospyros lotus* is ideal for food forests, gardens, parks, and green belts, though heavy fruit drop makes it less suitable for streets. [Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba),](https://www.ebben.nl/en/treeebb/#?search%5B0%5D=Ginkgo%20biloba)the ginkgo, or maidenhair tree, is one of the world’s oldest living species, unchanged for over 270 million years. Native to China, it is easily recognized by its fan-shaped leaves. Fresh green in spring and summer, the leaves turn a brilliant buttery yellow in autumn before dropping within just a week or two, creating a carpet of gold. The nuts are considered a delicacy in East Asia. They are rich in nutrients but mildly toxic when raw, so they must be cooked or roasted properly. In China, they are often used as flavor enhancers in simple dishes, while in Japan they are roasted and enjoyed as a seasonal treat. The nuts are surrounded by a sticky, yellowish fruit pulp resembling a cherry in size. After frost, the pulp is easier to remove. Once cleaned, dried, and roasted, the light green nut inside is both beautiful and flavorful. [Medlar (Mespilus germanica),](https://www.ebben.nl/en/treeebb/#?search%5B0%5D=Mespilus%20germanica) the medlar is a unique fruit tree with a distinctive fruit. It is often grown as a standard or multi-stemmed shrub with a flattened crown and can spread up to six meters wide, requiring a sunny site. The fruits are unusual in shape and not immediately appealing or edible. Still, the tree is valued for its distinctive taste and ornamental qualities. Medlars produce small, flattened fruits that resemble pears more than apples in skin color. They are harvested in late autumn or early winter, long after most other fruits have been picked, which is why they are counted among the latest harvested plants. The brown fruits that appear in autumn remain on the tree for a long time and only become edible after they have been softened by frost. At that point, they ripen further, darken, and develop their unique flavor. They are harvested when overripe, which explains the saying “rotten as a medlar.” The fruits taste somewhat astringent when first picked. With their distinctive fruit and decorative value, [Mespilus germanica](https://www.ebben.nl/en/treeebb/#?search%5B0%5D=Mespilus%20germanica) can be a valuable addition to a food forest. Different cultivars exist, each with their own tree form and fruit size. [Thijs Dolders](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/author/thijs-dolders) - [Design](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/tag/design) ### [![](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Thijs%20Dolders-200424-8.jpg) Thijs Dolders Landscape architect](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/author/thijs-dolders) ### [A Food Forest – Explained in a Nutshell On a larger scale, we see this trend reflected in the rise of food forests. A food forest, also called an edible forest garden, is a diverse agro-ecosystem designed to mimic the structure and functions of a natural forest. At the same time, it is intended to produce a wide variety of edible plants and other useful yields.The key elements of a well-designed food forest are found in its layered structure. This translates into a design and planting scheme that includes not only trees and shrubs but also climbing plants, bulbs, a herb layer, and attention to healthy soil life.A well-designed food forest can provide a wide range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, mushrooms, and more, while also enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and making the system more resilient to external influences. It is a sustainable and regenerative approach to food production. ![Uitnodiging 17 mei Kleurenbalk ebben vormelement](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/Uitnodiging%2017%20mei%20Kleurenbalk%20ebben%20vormelement.webp?width=2000&height=53&name=Uitnodiging%2017%20mei%20Kleurenbalk%20ebben%20vormelement.webp) Get inspired in the TreeEbb tree library](https://www.ebben.nl/en/treeebb/) ## Stay up to date with the knowledge that we share ### [![Ebben Trees - Trees amongst high-rise buildings ](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/Ebben%20Trees%20-%20hoogbouw%204%20-%20Kiev.png?length=500&name=Ebben%20Trees%20-%20hoogbouw%204%20-%20Kiev.png) Design Climate adaptation & Living environment How high-rise development reshapes the microclimate for trees How do high-rise buildings affect the microclimate for trees? On reflection, wind, shade and what this means for tree selection and growth in highly urbanised areas.](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/how-high-rise-development-reshapes-the-microclimate-for-trees?hsLang=en) ### [![](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/1.%20Fotos/Picea%20pungens%20600-700-800-HV-221216-4.jpg?length=500&name=Picea%20pungens%20600-700-800-HV-221216-4.jpg) Tree of the month Design The power of solitude Discover the power of solitary trees in winter and garden design. Inspiration for character, tranquillity and sculptural beauty in the garden. By Ebben Tree Nursery.](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/the-power-of-solitude?hsLang=en) ### [![](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/1.%20Fotos/1.%20Kwekerijfotos/Juglans%20regia%2050-60-H-240613-1.jpg?length=500&name=Juglans%20regia%2050-60-H-240613-1.jpg) Design The role of trees in food forests Planting trees for horses creates a healthier pasture and a richer landscape. Trees for horses contribute to their well-being, biodiversity and training.](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/the-role-of-trees-in-food-forests?hsLang=en) ![planet-proof](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/planet-proof.png) ![mvo-nederland](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/mvo-nederland.png) ![iso-9001](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/iso-9001.png) ![iso-14001](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/iso-14001.png) ![tuv-co2](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/tuv-co2.png) ![boomfeestdag](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/boomfeestdag.png) ![nvtl](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/nvtl.png) ![tuinbouw-ondernemersprijs](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/tuinbouw-ondernemersprijs.png) ## FIND OUT MORE - [About Ebben](https://www.ebben.nl/en/about-ebben/) - [Solutions](https://www.ebben.nl/en/solutions/) - [Vacancies](https://www.ebben.nl/en/vacancies/) - [News](https://www.ebben.nl/en/tree-news/) - [Contact](https://www.ebben.nl/en/contact/) ## CONTACT T +31 (0)485 31 20 21 F: +31 (0)485 31 38 88 E info@ebben.nl ## STEP INTO OUR GREEN WORLD! Visit our 500-hectare nurseries and see our 1,400-m² roof garden. [Make an appointment  ![button-arrow](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/button-arrow.png?width=21&height=20&name=button-arrow.png)](https://www.ebben.nl/en/contact/) ## STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for our newsletter © 2026  •  Boomkwekerij Ebben B.V.  •  [Disclaimer](https://www.ebben.nl/en/disclaimer-copyright-email/)  •  [Privacy and cookie statement](https://www.ebben.nl/en/privacy-and-cookie-statement/)  •  [Terms and conditions](https://www.ebben.nl/files/media/ebben-nurseries-trading-conditions.pdf)