Can You Plant Two Fruit Trees Together?

Planting fruit trees is a great way to bring fresh fruits into your life. But what if you're short on space in your yard or garden? Can you plant two fruit trees together? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

Consider Fruit Type and Size

When planting multiple fruit trees, it's important to consider the type of fruit and the size of the tree. Some fruit trees, such as apple and pear trees, can be planted together because they have similar growth habits and are roughly the same size. However, planting two different types of fruit trees or two trees of vastly different sizes, such as a peach tree and a cherry tree, can cause problems.

Soil Considerations

The soil in which you plant your fruit trees is also an important factor to consider when planting multiple trees together. Some fruits, such as blueberries, require soil that is more acidic, while other fruits, such as apricots, prefer soil that is slightly alkaline. It's important to plant trees with similar soil requirements together to prevent nutrient imbalances and to promote healthy growth.

Spacing Requirements

When planting fruit trees together, spacing requirements must also be considered. Each fruit tree has specific spacing requirements based on its size and growth habit, and planting two trees too close together can cause crowding, competition for resources, and reduced growth. Generally, fruit trees should be spaced according to the mature size of the tree, with dwarf trees being planted closer together than standard-sized trees.

Pollination Requirements

Many fruit trees require cross-pollination with another tree of the same fruit type to produce fruit. If you are planting multiple fruit trees, it's important to ensure that they can pollinate each other. For example, if you plant two apple trees of different varieties, such as a Granny Smith and a Honeycrisp, they will not cross-pollinate and will not produce fruit.

The Bottom Line

While planting two fruit trees together is possible, it's important to consider the types of fruit, soil requirements, spacing requirements, and pollination needs of each tree. With careful planning and consideration, it's possible to successfully plant multiple fruit trees together and enjoy a bountiful harvest.