Does your Fruit Tree Need a Pollinator?

Fruit results from the pollination of blossoms on your trees. Some trees can set an abundant crop with their own pollen; they are called self-pollinating. Other trees need pollen from another apple tree variety; bees usually do this cross-pollination. Remember, pollinators must be of the same fruit type — an apple tree can’t pollinate a pear or cherry tree. 

Does my apple tree need a pollinator?

Most apple varieties require another variety for pollination. Generally, all you need to worry about is the overlapping of bloom times. If both apples are in bloom simultaneously, the bees can do their job carrying pollen from one to the other. Early bloomers and mid-season bloomers work fine with each other. Late-season bloomers will work fine with mid-season bloomers but don’t count on early-season bloomers and late-season bloomers to pollinate each other since they do not bloom simultaneously. Some varieties of edible apples can also use crabapple tree varieties as pollinators.

*While Self-pollinating Apple Trees technically do not need another tree to produce fruit, most will produce more fruit if you have another tree to provide pollen.

Does my Apricot Tree Need a Pollinator?

*Most apricot varieties are self-pollinating however, cross-pollination with another apricot tree can increase the size and quality of your apricot harvest.

Does my Cherry Tree Need a Pollinator?

Many sweet cherry tree varieties require cross-pollination with another cherry tree variety to produce fruit. Tart cherries are almost always self-pollinating.

*While self-pollinating Cherries technically do not need another tree to produce fruit, most will produce more fruit if you have another tree to provide pollen.

Does my Nectarine Tree Need a Pollinator?

Most Nectarine trees are self-pollinating, which means they can produce fruit without needing another tree for pollination. That said adding a second nectarine tree will increase the fruit yield for both trees.

Does my Peach Tree Need a Pollinator?

Most Peach trees are self-pollinating, which means they can produce fruit without needing another tree for pollination. While not necessary, adding a second peach tree will increase the fruit yield for both trees.

Does my Pear Tree Need a Pollinator?

Most pears require cross-pollination from another pear tree.

* Many self-pollinating pears are partially self-fruitful, which means that better crops are set when there are two or more cultivars that will bloom at the same time and are planted together.

Does my Plum Tree Need a Pollinator?

Most plum trees are not self-pollinating and require another plum tree to produce plums.

*While Self-pollinating plums technically do not need another tree to produce fruit, most will produce more fruit if you have another tree to provide additional pollen.

How close do fruit trees need to be for pollination?

Typically fruit trees need to be within 100 feet of each other to be effective pollinators. The closer trees can be planted, the better chance for cross-pollination. Take the mature size of the tree into consideration. Dwarf trees can be planted closer together.

Some neighborhoods have enough fruit trees to ensure plenty of cross-pollination, but to ensure that your fruit trees are pollinated, you should plant pollination partners.

At Gasper Home & Garden Center, fruit trees are some of the earliest nursery arrivals, arriving the first week of March. Each Spring, you can choose from many new and classic varieties of fruiting plants, including smaller dwarf varieties for smaller home gardens. In addition to apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, and plums, we also carry hardy figs and persimmons, not to mention blackberries, blueberries, grapes, and raspberries. Check fruit trees and shrub availability by contacting the nursery directly at 215-364-2400. Consider pre-ordering fruit-bearing plants to ensure you get the varieties you are seeking.