Fruit trees afternoon shade.

Do any fruit trees need afternoon shade where the sun is intense? We’re at a higher elevation so the sun can scorch some plants even full sun plants. I can’t seem to find any info on sun needs besides full sun which is 6-8 but what about spots that are like 12 hours of sun and several hours of intense sun? I have peaches, apples, cherries, pears, apricots, and mulberries I’m planting and can’t find if any would find relief in afternoon shade. I have both spots available and would love some insight if anyone knows if any of these trees need shade.

I have noticed that full sun recommendation is written from the perspective of Midwest, East with an assumption "one fits all".
My experience is that high UV mountainous sun at lower latitudes and altitudes, accompanied by high temperatures will kill young and older plants that are supposedly sun-loving: figs, pomegranates, grapes. Evergreens like pineapple guava, tea, avocado or natives were completely scorched. All of the above were mulched and regularly irrigated. Apples, cherries and chestnuts also suffer a lot.
Yes, you want afternoon or morning shade for most of the plants. For my figs the difference between gentle slope + no shade versus flat terrain and morning shade means: death versus happy plants producing fruit in the first year.

Some trees seem not to be bothered by the full sun: peaches, plums, almonds, mulberries, pears, quinces.

Cristobal Cristo wrote:I have noticed that full sun recommendation is written from the perspective of Midwest, East with an assumption "one fits all".
My experience is that high UV mountainous sun at lower latitudes and altitudes, accompanied by high temperatures will kill young and older plants that are supposedly sun-loving: figs, pomegranates, grapes. Evergreens like pineapple guava, tea, avocado or natives were completely scorched. All of the above were mulched and regularly irrigated. Apples, cherries and chestnuts also suffer a lot.
Yes, you want afternoon or morning shade for most of the plants. For my figs the difference between gentle slope + no shade versus flat terrain and morning shade means: death versus happy plants producing fruit in the first year.

Some trees seem not to be bothered by the full sun: peaches, plums, almonds, mulberries, pears, quinces.

Thank you! “Full sun” is so vague and unhelpful to me. Thank you for your help! I’ll plan accordingly

Given reasonably decent soil moisture, in order of most full sun loving to least, I’d say Peaches, Apricots, Mulberries, Apples, pears, cherries, plums. I would also consider chill requirements and timing of spring hail or hard frosts in the design and varietal selection process.

Ben Zumeta wrote:Given reasonably decent soil moisture, in order of most full sun loving to least, I’d say Peaches, Apricots, Mulberries, Apples, pears, cherries, plums. I would also consider chill requirements and timing of spring hail or hard frosts in the design and varietal selection process.

We definitely have plenty of chill hours! But the frost and hail sometimes can be an issue. I think protecting from afternoon sun also helps keep the trees dormant a little longer which helps with late frosts.