When planting fruit trees, do you have to plant 2?

One of the most common questions asked by people who are considering planting fruit trees is whether they need to plant two trees in order to get fruit. The answer to this question is that it depends on the type of fruit tree you are planting. Below, we will explore some of the types of fruit trees that require cross-pollination in order to bear fruit, and those that do not.

Cross-pollination fruit trees

Some fruit trees require cross-pollination in order to produce fruit. This means that they need a second tree of a different variety in order to fertilize their flowers and produce fruit. Some examples of fruit trees that require cross-pollination include:

Apple trees

Pear trees

Cherry trees

Plum trees

If you are planting any of these types of fruit trees, it is important to choose two different varieties that bloom at the same time. This will ensure that the flowers are properly fertilized and that you get a good fruit set. Without cross-pollination, your fruit trees will not produce fruit.

Self-pollinating fruit trees

Other fruit trees are self-pollinating, which means that they do not require a second tree to produce fruit. Some examples of self-pollinating fruit trees include:

Fig trees

Pomegranate trees

Peach trees

Nectarine trees

Apricot trees

If you are planting any of these types of fruit trees, you do not need to plant a second tree in order to get fruit. This can be beneficial if you have limited space in your yard or if you only want to plant one tree for aesthetic reasons.

Benefits of planting two fruit trees

While it may not be necessary to plant two fruit trees for certain types of trees, there are still some benefits to doing so. Planting two fruit trees can:

Ensure cross-pollination, even if one of the trees does not produce fruit

Provide a larger fruit harvest

Give your yard a more balanced look

Provide a backup in case one of the trees dies or is damaged

Therefore, even if you are planting a self-pollinating fruit tree, it can still be beneficial to plant a second tree of a different variety.

Conclusion

When planting fruit trees, it is important to consider whether the tree you are planting requires cross-pollination or whether it is self-pollinating. If it requires cross-pollination, you will need to plant a second tree of a different variety. If it is self-pollinating, you do not need to plant a second tree, but it can still be beneficial to do so. By understanding the needs and benefits of different types of fruit trees, you can make a more informed decision about which trees to plant in your yard.