From tiny sprouts, great orchards grow - we hope.   After digging eight huge pits in the rock rubble that  passes for soil on our property (not counting the smaller holes for some refurbished chrysanthemums), those little trees better grow!  Between snowstorms and sore backs, it took weeks to get them planted!  It appears that getting older means everything moves slower except the clock.

If you are looking to plant a few fruit trees on your own microfarm, you might want to consider the following:

One of the blessings of colder climates is the variety of fruit trees you can grow; a multitude of apple, cherry, peach, walnut and other trees thrive in the Arizona mountains.   Conversely, the benefit of warmer climates is the variety of fruit trees you can grow - citrus, avocado, date palms, guava and others.  Research what grows well in your area before that foray to the Home Depot garden shop.  Best bets for good information about the western US are the local County Extension Service and the Sunset Garden Book.

If you want a variety of fruits, your best bets are self-pollinating varieties.  Only one tree is necessary for production, although having two will increase yields.  If you really love apples (or pears or cherries), having  multiple varieties is possible if you take time to identify bloom time (early, middle or late.)  Pair varieties that bloom during the same period.

Planting heirloom varieties is an option you might want to explore.  Far more varieties of apples, cherries, etc exist than you ever find in Walmart or even Whole Foods.  Check out Trees of Antiquity for more information.  Their website is a treasure trove of info.  However, if you're looking for citrus, this option is much more limited.  Most citrus is grafted and old varieties are not wanted by most nurseries or seed banks.  (We had an ancient grapefruit once...) 

Dig a hole, mix soil and amendments, stick in a tree or bare-root twiglet, water, fertilze and wait three to five years.  Then enjoy blooms, shade and fruit.