Do apple trees need to be planted in pairs?

Apple trees are one of the most popular fruit trees grown in the world due to their delicious fruit and versatility. When planting apple trees, many people wonder if they need to be planted in pairs. The answer is no, but there are a few things to consider before planting apple trees and how many to plant.

Apple Trees are Self-Fertile or Self-Sterile

One reason why people consider planting apple trees in pairs is due to pollination. Apple trees are either self-fertile or self-sterile. Self-fertile apples can pollinate themselves and produce fruit without a partner tree. Some self-fertile apple varieties include Golden Delicious, Jonathan, and Red Delicious. Self-sterile apple trees, also known as non-self-fertile or self-unfruitful, need another apple tree close by for cross-pollination. If you have a self-sterile apple tree, you need to plant a pollinator tree. The pollinator tree must be of a different variety than the self-sterile tree to cross-pollinate. It's also essential to plant the two trees close enough to allow pollen to be transferred easily from one tree to the other. When planting your apple trees, ensure you understand if they are self-fertile or self-sterile.

Consider the Size of Your Garden

Another reason why people plant apple trees in pairs is to increase their orchards' productivity. While it's true that planting more than one apple tree can increase productivity, it's essential to consider your garden's size. Apple trees require a lot of space to grow efficiently. Therefore, it's not ideal to plant too many apple trees in a small garden. A general rule of thumb is to give each apple tree at least 20 feet of space to grow. Therefore, planting too many apple trees in a small garden can lead to overcrowding, which makes it difficult for the trees to thrive.

Consider the Variety of Apples You Want to Grow

When deciding how many apple trees to plant, it's vital to consider the variety of apples you want to grow. While some apple trees can pollinate themselves, it's always more fun and exciting to grow a variety of apples. This helps you enjoy different flavors throughout the harvest season. If you want to grow several varieties of apples, you need to ensure that you have enough space to plant all the trees you need. You can also consider planting dwarf apple trees, which take up less space and can be a good option if you don't have a lot of space in your garden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apple trees do not need to be planted in pairs, but several things should be considered before planting. It's critical to understand if the apple tree you want to plant is self-fertile or self-sterile. If self-sterile, you'll need a different variety of apple tree to cross-pollinate. It's also essential to consider your garden's size and the variety of apples you want to grow when deciding how many apple trees to plant. Remember to give each apple tree enough space to grow and produce fruit efficiently.