Apple Tree vs Fig Tree

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Apple Tree

Malus domestica

Rosaceae · trees

EdibleMedium Maintenance

Fig Tree

Ficus carica

Moraceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Apple Tree (Zones 3-8)

Fig Tree (Zones 7-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Apple Tree	Fig Tree
Scientific Name	Malus domestica	Ficus carica
Family	Rosaceae	Moraceae
Category	trees	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	25'	20'
Spread	20'	20'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White, Pink	Green (inside fruit)
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Central Asia	Mediterranean, Western Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Apple Tree

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Fig Tree

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Apple Tree

✓Plant two compatible varieties for cross-pollination.
✓Prune in late winter for shape and fruit production.
✓Thin fruits to 6 inches apart.
✓Spray dormant oil in late winter.

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Apple Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Choose Fig Tree if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Apple TreeProfile →View Fig TreeProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Tree and Fig Tree grow in the same hardiness zone?

Apple Tree grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Fig Tree grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Apple Tree and Fig Tree have the same sun and water needs?

Apple Tree needs full sun and medium water, while Fig Tree needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Apple Tree or Fig Tree?

Apple Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Fig Tree at 20'. Apple Tree spreads 20' while Fig Tree spreads 20'.

Are Apple Tree and Fig Tree deer resistant?

Fig Tree is deer resistant, but Apple Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Fig Tree is the better choice, or protect Apple Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Apple Tree or Fig Tree?

Apple Tree has medium maintenance while Fig Tree has low maintenance. Fig Tree may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Apple Tree	Fig Tree
Scientific Name	Malus domestica	Ficus carica
Family	Rosaceae	Moraceae
Category	trees	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	25'	20'
Spread	20'	20'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White, Pink	Green (inside fruit)
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Central Asia	Mediterranean, Western Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Apple Tree

✓Plant two compatible varieties for cross-pollination.
✓Prune in late winter for shape and fruit production.
✓Thin fruits to 6 inches apart.
✓Spray dormant oil in late winter.

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Apple Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Choose Fig Tree if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Tree and Fig Tree grow in the same hardiness zone?

Apple Tree grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Fig Tree grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Apple Tree and Fig Tree have the same sun and water needs?

Apple Tree needs full sun and medium water, while Fig Tree needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Apple Tree or Fig Tree?

Apple Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Fig Tree at 20'. Apple Tree spreads 20' while Fig Tree spreads 20'.

Are Apple Tree and Fig Tree deer resistant?

Fig Tree is deer resistant, but Apple Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Fig Tree is the better choice, or protect Apple Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Apple Tree or Fig Tree?

Apple Tree has medium maintenance while Fig Tree has low maintenance. Fig Tree may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.