Objective As characteristic fruits in China, hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) and cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus) hold significant positions in the fruit industry. Carbon footprint is an effective way to quantitatively measure the potential impact of production processes on climate change. Analyzing the carbon footprint composition of hawthorn and cherry production is crucial for advancing green and low-carbon development in the fruit industry and cultivation areas.

Method This study used survey data from hawthorn and cherry orchards in Jiang county to assess their carbon footprints from cradle to gate based on the life cycle assessment method, analyzed low-carbon advantages of different areas by using carbon emission efficiency index, and explored the mitigation potential in hawthorn and cherry orchards.

Result (1) The carbon footprints per unit area of hawthorn and cherry were 6.93 t/hm² and 8.62 t/hm² respectively, and the carbon footprints per unit yield were 0.23 t/t and 0.57 t/t. Different amounts of urea, organic fertilizer and planting areas lead to significant different A in regions. (2) Fertilizers application was the dominant contributor to carbon footprint of hawthorn and cherry cultivation, accounting for 36.60%−65.34% of the carbon footprints per unit area. (3) The carbon footprints per unit yield was negatively correlated with the carbon emission efficiency. Areas with lower of the carbon footprints per unit yield had higher carbon emission efficiency, and the low-carbon advantages were greater. (4) Under four simulated scenarios, the integrated application of green fertilizer blending, optimized irrigation practices, and innovative energy technologies reduced emissions by 77.06% and 77.72% for hawthorn and cherry, respectively.

Conclusion In the cultivation of hawthorn and cherry, the carbon footprints per unit area and the carbon footprints per unit yield of cherry were significantly higher than those of hawthorn. Fertilizer application is the main component of the carbon footprint of cherry and hawthorn orchards, and the carbon footprints per unit yield is negatively correlated with the carbon emission efficiency. Through a series of emission reduction measures, hawthorn and cherry orchards have the potential to achieve carbon neutrality.