Fruita began as a farming community, and in the 1890s, it was named a "fruit producing county." By 1920, fruit-growing areas had expanded into the area. By 1930, Fruita had about 2,600 apple trees and a workforce to care for them. Year-round tasks included pruning, replanting, irrigation, and maintenance. Fruita was named a "Smart Growth" community four years in a row.