• WisconsinWisconsin state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  Growing fruit trees ins southern Wisconsin can be a tricky venture because of the region's extreme winter. Some fruit trees, such as peaches, cherries and nectarines will not withstand the area's weather. However, there are still numerous trees you can plant that will thrive in southern Wisconsin and produce fruit for you and your family.
  
  

Apples

• Certain apple trees grow in southern Wisconsin, and produce delicious fruit. Among the types of apple cultivars that thrive in this area include the popular red delicious, golden delicious, McIntosh and empire apples. However, other, lesser-known types of apple grow there as well. Jonagolds are similar to golden delicious but their yellow skin has a reddish blush. Jerseymacs, related the McIntosh, are good for eating fresh while the liberty apple is good for making desserts such as pie.
  
  

Pears

• Pear trees also grow well in southern Wisconsin. According to the University of Wisconsin, it is best to harvest pears in the region while they're still immature and allow them to ripen in storage. Pears need adequate room to produce fruit, so they should be planted so that each tree has its own 250- to 300-square-foot area The varieties of pear that grow well in southern Wisconsin include the popular Bartlett pear, the Flemish beauty and a few varieties of Asian pear.
  
  

Crabapples

• Crabapples are an ornamental fruit tree that grows well in southern Wisconsin. They have multiple purposes; they produce pleasant blossoms in the spring and a tart fruit in the fall that can be used for sauces and canning. They also provide food for some species of birds. Three varieties of crabapples grow well in southern Wisconsin : the winter-hardy dolgo, the less-tart centennial, and the reddish-bronze chestnut.