Fruit Trees for Summer Sun/Fall Shade

Hello,

I am in Ontario,Canada/Zone 6b/5a. I am in a situation where I am planting North of a large (~30-40 ft) birch tree and west of my house. I have prepared 3 sites ~ 8 feet apart for 2-3 in one plantings that are some distance. They essentially run in a line north.

They are far enough away from the tree that May to August they get full ~ 8-9 hours of unfiltered sun, however the closest planter starts getting partial shade (think 3-4 hours direct and 3-4 filtered through the birch) Starting Early august, the second Starting Late Aug/Early Sept and the third Mid September.

I was hoping to plant pear/peach/apricot.

Guides only seem to talk about "Full sun" or "Partial shade" like its an absolute. I am not sure whether to consider my locations one or the other. I could grow summer/shade tolerant fruits or vegetables in the most shaded planter if needed.

I would appreciate any advice/suggestions Thanks!

Hi Robert, welcome to Permies!  I think that's probably enough sun for most fruit trees.  My birch trees tend to die once they get full sized so I've started to plant as if they may not be there in ten years.  Not sure if yours have that happen or not but I'd just go for it.

Sour cherries do well in shady sites.  I have the variety "northstar" shaded by a spruce most of the day in similar climate in Chicago.

Also PawPaw particularly needs shade in early years.  If, as other poster suggested, birch might be a short-lived tree, might be good site for a pawpaw (however, you will need two as they are not self-fertile)