Do You Have to Plant 2 Apple Trees Together?

If you're considering planting apple trees, you might be wondering whether or not it's necessary to plant multiple trees in order to get a good yield. The answer is: it depends.

Apple Trees and Pollination

One reason why you might need to plant multiple apple trees is because of pollination. Most apple trees are not self-fertile, which means they require a pollinator in order to produce fruit.

If you only have one apple tree in your yard and there are no other apple trees nearby, it will be difficult for the tree to receive the necessary pollen from another tree. Without proper pollination, your tree may still produce fruit, but the yield will likely be smaller and the fruit may not be as high quality as you'd like.

Cross-Pollination with Apple Trees

So, how many apple trees do you need to plant? The general rule is that you should plant at least two apple tree varieties that flower at the same time. This is important because the different varieties will cross-pollinate each other, allowing each tree to produce bigger and better fruit.

It's also worth noting that some apple varieties are better pollinators than others. Crabapple trees, for example, are a popular choice for pollination because they are highly effective at cross-pollinating with other apple trees.

Consider Your Space

Of course, planting multiple apple trees isn't always practical or necessary. If you only have a small space to work with, you might not have room to plant multiple trees. In this case, you might consider planting a self-fertile apple variety like Liberty or Rome, which can still produce a good yield without needing a pollinator.

Additionally, keep in mind that some apple varieties are more disease-resistant than others. If you live in an area prone to apple diseases like apple scab or fire blight, you might want to consider planting disease-resistant varieties like Honeycrisp or Ginger Gold.

The Bottom Line

So, do you have to plant two apple trees together? The short answer is no, but it will likely help your trees produce a better yield of high-quality fruit. If you only have space for one tree, consider planting a self-fertile variety or a variety that is a good pollinator. And no matter what, make sure to properly care for your apple trees with regular pruning, fertilizing, and pest management to ensure a bountiful harvest year after year.