How soon will a newly planted fruit tree begin to bear fruit?

Question:

How soon will a newly planted fruit tree begin to bear fruit?

Answer:

Fruit trees purchased from nurseries and garden centers are usually 1- to 2-year-old plants.  The length of time from planting to fruit bearing varies with the species of fruit, the cultivar, and whether the tree is dwarf or standard.  

Apple and pear trees grown on dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks will come into bearing at a much earlier age than trees grown on standard-size rootstocks.  Rootstocks have little effect on the bearing age of other fruit trees.  

The average bearing age of fruit trees is as follows; apple - 4 to 5 years, sour or tart cherry - 3 to 5 years, pear - 4 to 6 years, and plum - 3 to 5 years.