What would be the best type of fruit tree I can put in my front yard that does not attrack snakes?
Answers:
I don't think fruit trees are particularly attractive to snakes. I used to live where we had lots and lots of apple trees, a cherry tree, and lots of oaks, but the only tree that seemed to be attractive to snakes was a black locust. And I think the snakes just hung out there because they had dens nearby and the locust tree provided shade so they could regulate their body temperatures. As far as what kind of fruit tree, start by what kind of fruit you like. If you don't especially like apples, then pick something else. I love my apple trees, but we do get yellow-jacket wasps attracted to the fallen fruit (and I am allergic to the stings...) If you live where it is warm enough, consider citrus - they are evergreen, have great smelling flowers, look very colorful, and are not messy. Whatever kind of fruit tree you decide on, do some research and pick one that will do well in your climate. Neighbors and a good local plant nursery are probably even better resources for this than Internet and garden books. Sometimes trees that are great in one climate don't do as well in others. Most fruit trees need some "chill hours" every year, and if you live where it is mild, the "wrong" tree won't do well. (I live north of San Francisco, and our winters are pretty mild, so the trees I grew successfully in Pennsylvania aren't the best here.)
Other answers:
Buy a dwarf or full size golden delicious apple tree, beautiful blooms in spring, nice for shade and awesome apples.
Buy a dwarf or full size golden delicious apple tree, beautiful blooms in spring, nice for shade and awesome apples.
A mulberry tree grows pretty fast, and has produces lots of shade. But, it can be messy, and attract ants. There is however, a fruitless Mulberry that, of couse, will not be messy or attract the ants.
A beautiful tree, although not a fruit tree, is the Crate Myrtle. It has the most beautiful purple flowers that hang like cluster of grapes. We have these at my place of work, and people ask several times a week what the name of these beautiful trees are.
I think snakes would be a more indiginous problem, and not related so much to the type of tree you have.
You can go to a nearby nursery and seek their advise. Afterall, they are usually very knowledgeabe on this subject and can help you decide which type of tree works best for not only your preferences, but your area.
I've never heard of a fruit tree attracting snakes and any fruit tree will attract bees, wasps, etc while it is blooming. Older, large fruit trees you're going to have fruit falling on the ground and rotting. Pecan, or any other nut tree, nuts will be on the ground around it. I used to be kinda like you, didn't see much point in planting a tree if it didn't make fruit, nuts, or something. Now I'm kinda tree crazy and I'm planting all kinds out here, a tree's a tree and they all make shade. Willow trees grow really fast. I have a 4 year old weeping willow that is 30 feet tall.
I didn't even come close to answering your questions, hope I gave you a little "food for thought"
Whatever kinda tree you plant you're sure to enjoy it... good luck
a mongoose tree will not attract snakes they will even kill Cobras
try cherry trees