Do You Need More Than One Fruit Tree to Get Fruit?

A very common question asked when purchasing fruit trees is whether they need another one to produce fruit. The answer depends on the species and even more on the individual variety. Knowing how pollination works is one of the most important steps in achieving a reliable harvest.

Some fruit trees are self fertile, meaning their flowers contain everything they need to set fruit on their own. Even so, most self fertile types will carry a heavier and more consistent crop when another compatible variety is planted nearby.

Self-Pollination vs. Cross-Pollination

Self pollinating trees can set fruit using their own pollen. They do not require another tree, although the presence of a second compatible variety will usually improve both the amount of fruit and the overall quality.

Cross pollinating trees need pollen from another compatible variety of the same species. Without a partner, the amount of fruit is usually very low or none at all.

It is important to remember that cross pollination only happens within the same species. Apples pollinate apples, pears pollinate pears, and so on. A tree cannot pollinate a different fruit species.

Apple Trees (Malus domestica)

  - Most apple varieties are not self fertile. To ensure fruit, plant two or more different apple varieties that flower at the same time.
  - Flowering crabapples and wild apples are also excellent sources of pollen and will assist with pollination.
  - Some apples are triploid* varieties such as Mutsu or Gravenstein. These produce little to no viable pollen and cannot pollinate other trees. A triploid apple needs two other compatible diploid* varieties planted nearby to achieve full fruiting.
  - Multi variety or combination apple trees include several compatible varieties on one trunk and can pollinate themselves effectively.

  *Triploid

Triploid trees contain an extra set of chromosomes. Because of this, the pollen they produce is usually not viable, so they cannot reliably pollinate another tree. Triploid trees still need pollen from other varieties and should be planted with two compatible diploid partners to ensure proper fruit set.

  *Diploid

Most fruit trees are diploid, meaning they have two complete sets of chromosomes. This is the normal genetic structure for the majority of plants. Diploid trees produce healthy pollen and can both give and receive pollen, making them the main pollinators in a mixed orchard.

Pear Trees (Pyrus spp.)

Most pear varieties need cross pollination between two different varieties. Matching the bloom period is important for successful pollination.

Apricot Trees (Prunus armeniaca)

Apricots are usually partly self fertile. One tree may produce some fruit, but planting two or more varieties improves yield noticeably. Even self fertile types benefit from cross pollination.

Peach Trees (Prunus persica)

Most peaches are self pollinating and can fruit without a partner. Planting more than one, however, often improves the consistency of the crop and can help offset poor weather during bloom.

Cherry Trees

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium) almost always need cross pollination between compatible varieties.
Sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) such as Montmorency are generally self fertile, though they still benefit from having another variety nearby.

Plum Trees

  - European plums (Prunus domestica) include many self fertile varieties that can bear fruit as a single tree.
  - Japanese plums (Prunus salicina) usually need cross pollination. In a few cases, some European plums can assist with pollination, but not all are compatible. It is generally best not to rely on European plums as the main pollinator for Japanese types unless compatibility is confirmed.
Always check pollination requirements for the exact variety, as plum pollination is more complicated than most other fruit trees.

Pollination Timing and Tree Spacing

Successful pollination requires overlapping bloom times. Two varieties must flower at the same time for pollen transfer to occur.

As a general guide, plant compatible fruit trees within 50 - 100 feet of each other. Insects can travel further, but pollination success drops sharply once trees are more than 100 feet apart in a home garden.

Fruit pollination is influenced by weather. Cold, wind, or rain during flowering may prevent bees from flying. For fruit to form, blossoms must be visited by flying insects such as mason bees, honeybees, bumblebees, flies, beetles, and wasps. If conditions are poor during bloom, fruit set may be reduced. Encouraging wild pollinators or keeping a population of bees can greatly improve fruiting.

Plant Spacing:
Ideally, compatible fruit tree varieties should be planted up to 50 to 100 feet of each other to ensure effective pollination by insects. While pollinators can travel long distances, successful pollination drops sharply once trees are more than 100 feet apart in a typical home orchard.

Pollination is ultimately in the hands of nature. If a cold spell occurs during bloom, it may be too cold for bees to fly. For fruit to form, blossoms must be pollinated by flying insects such as mason bees, honeybees, bumblebees, flies, beetles, and wasps. These insects must be active at the same time the trees are flowering. Unfavourable weather conditions, especially cold temperatures, high winds, or rain will significantly reduce their activity. Encouraging wild pollinators or establishing a bee population can greatly improve pollination and increase fruit set. 

Supporting Pollination in the Garden

  - Plant insect friendly flowers near fruit trees to attract bees throughout the season.
  - Avoid applying pesticides when trees are in bloom.
  - Maintain good sunlight and air flow to promote healthy flowering.

Happy Gardening!