Weak or diseased trees produce either poor quality fruit or no fruit at all. The first step is to keep trees free from insects and diseases. Climate and Weather Flowers and young fruits of trees in New Mexico frequently are injured by late spring frosts. Time of bloom varies with species. The earliest to bloom is the almond, followed by Japanese plums and apricots.
Peaches are next, followed by sweet cherries, pears, European plums, sour cherries, and apples.
Varieties also vary in time of flowering. Make your selections from varieties that are late blooming and that are recommended for New Mexico. In some areas, although the tree may grow, fruit may not mature because the frost-free season is not long enough. Most commercial pecan varieties can only be grown in southern New Mexico. Pecan varieties grown in the northern part of the U.S., such as 'Major' and 'Peruque', may be better adapted to northern New Mexico.