Do You Need Two Pear Trees When Planting?

When planning to plant a fruit tree in your backyard, one of the many questions you might have is whether or not you need two of the same species in order for the tree to bear fruit. With pears, the answer is yes and no. The type of pear tree you choose to plant will determine whether or not you need another tree to produce fruit.

Self-Pollinating Pear Trees

There are several types of pear trees that are self-pollinating, meaning they do not require another tree to produce fruit. These trees have both male and female parts and are capable of fertilizing themselves. Some common varieties of self-pollinating pears include Bartlett, Comice, and Bosc. If you choose to plant one of these varieties, you can typically get away with just planting one tree and still enjoy a good crop of pears.

Cross-Pollinating Pear Trees

On the other hand, there are pear trees that require cross-pollination in order to produce fruit. These trees have either male or female parts and require a second tree of a different variety to pollinate them. Some common cross-pollinating varieties include Anjou, Asian pears, and Starkrimson. If you choose to plant one of these varieties, you will need to plant a second tree of a different variety in order to ensure successful pollination.

The Benefits of Planting Two Trees

If you do need to plant two pear trees in order to ensure pollination and fruit production, there are some benefits to doing so. For one, having two trees will help increase your overall yield of fruit. It can also help ensure that your trees are healthier and better able to fight off pests and diseases. Additionally, having two trees can provide a backup in case one tree fails to produce or becomes damaged in some way.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to planting pear trees, the answer to whether or not you need two trees really depends on the variety you choose. If you choose a self-pollinating variety, you can get away with planting just one tree. However, if you choose a variety that requires cross-pollination, you will need to plant two trees of different varieties. Keep in mind that even if you do not technically need to plant two trees, doing so can have some beneficial effects on your overall crop and the health of your trees.