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How to Cross-Pollinate Fruit Trees

Valerie Albarda

By Valerie Albarda
Updated January 11, 2023

The key to growing productive fruit trees is pollination — and that's something you have to consider before you plant a tree on your property. Every type of fruit tree has distinct requirements for pollination, so learn more about the basics and review cross-pollination tips for common fruit trees.

An orange tree outside a home.

Cross-Pollination Basics to Get You Started

Here are some of the basics of fruit tree pollination:

  • Most fruit trees require pollination between two or more trees for fruit to set, or for pollen to transfer from the male bloom to the female bloom.
  • Pollination occurs when the trees blossom.
  • Pollen from the anthers (the male part of the plant) has to be transferred to the stigma (the female part of the plant). Completed pollination fertilizes the tree and fruit grows. Otherwise, flowers grow, but the fruit does not.
  • Pollination can be performed by birds, wind or insects. The most common fruit-tree pollinator is the honeybee which gathers nectar from the flowers, simultaneously transferring pollen between them. A single honeybee may visit as many as 5,000 flowers in a single day.

Pollination needs vary depending on the fruit tree you plant. It's important to understand which fruit trees do not need cross-pollination and which ones do.

What Fruit Trees Do Not Need Cross-Pollination?

With the help of the bees, some trees can pollinate and bear fruit all by themselves — this is called self-pollinating or self-fruitful. Self-pollinating fruit trees include common varieties of apricot, peach, nectarine and sour cherry, which means these trees won't need pollination.

What Fruit Trees Do Need Cross-Pollination?

Other fruit trees, such as most apple, plum, sweet cherry and pear trees, are cross-pollinating or self-unfruitful. They need another tree for pollination, and not just one of the same variety, but a different variety of the same fruit. For example, most sweet cherries must be pollinated with compatible sweet cherry trees. In addition, these fruit trees have to blossom at about the same time (mid-season, late-season) so honeybees can cross-pollinate them.

What Interferes With Pollination?

Even if the trees are considered compatible, other factors can interfere with pollination. Lack of rain, high winds or frost can damage buds before they blossom. Fruit trees form their flower buds in the fall. Excessive winter cold or even a late-spring frost can kill buds and blossoms. That's why it’s important to choose a tree selected for your climate zone (shown on the plant tag). These trees develop buds more in time with the last local frost, so there's less chance of losing fruit production.

Good to Know

All fruit trees at the Lowe’s Garden Center have a tag that has information on pollination, growing zone and other important facts. You can also view our buying guide — Select and Care for Fruit Trees.

Tips for Pollinating Fruit Trees

An apple tree in an orchard.

  • Space your trees carefully. For best pollination, don't plant fruit trees more than 100 feet apart.
  • Consider the fruit harvest. Fruit that's not picked eventually will fall from the tree. Place the tree where fallen fruit won't cause a problem — away from decks, driveways and walking paths.
  • Use mulch, not fertilizer (at first). Fertilizer isn't recommended immediately after planting trees. They go through shock when they're put into the ground, and fertilizer can burn tender roots. Water is all that's needed at first. Spread pine bark mulch in a 4-foot diameter about 6 inches deep around the tree to help retain moisture. Pull the mulch back so it's not piled against the trunk. Don't use hardwood bark because it can release acids that lower nitrogen levels, which can weaken the tree.
  • Incorporate fertilizer gradually. Once the tree is established, use a mild, slow-release fertilizer, like a 10-10-10, for the first year, following the manufacturer's directions. This promotes root growth, the overall health of the tree and a strong bud set, which leads to better pollination.
  • Water your trees. Water fruit trees once a week during dry spells, especially during the first two years after planting. Allowing a tree to go dry can cause a weak bud set or even cause the flowers to drop early. That means poor pollination and little or no fruit. Apply enough water to soak several inches into the soil.
  • Ward off insects. Spray the trees with dormant oil to smother mites and insect eggs that later emerge and damage the buds. Spray it on the trees while they're dormant, on one of the warmest and sunniest days in February. Follow the manufacturer's directions for mixing and application, as well as all of the safety recommendations, like wearing a respirator, gloves and safety goggles.
  • Skip pesticides. To help honeybees pollinate fruit trees, don't apply pesticides during bloom time. Bees are very susceptible to almost all pesticides. And even if other insects are the target, the bee population can be seriously damaged.
  • Keep weeds away. Remove nearby dandelions and other broadleaf weed flowers before the trees blossom so the bees won't be distracted from their fruit-tree pollination job.

How to Cross-Pollinate Different Trees

A bee pollinating a pink flower.

While these general tips are helpful when it comes to learning about cross-pollination, it's also important to understand the unique needs of the specific tree in your yard, whether you have pollinating apple trees or another variety of self-pollinating fruit trees. Read on to learn about what your trees need to thrive.

Apple Trees

Space semi-dwarf apple trees no more than 50 feet apart. Dwarf apple trees need to be positioned even closer — 20 feet or less — for effective cross-pollination. You can expect your apple tree to produce fruit two to five years after you plant it.

Blueberry Plants

Plant blueberry plants 6 feet or less apart to allow for cross-pollination to occur. Blueberry plants typically produce fruit two to five years after they're planted.

Sweet Cherry Trees

Position these trees 20 feet or less apart. You can expect cherry trees to produce fruit four to seven years after you plant them.

Pear Trees

Pear trees can be spaced out more but no more than 100 feet between trees. You can expect fruit from these trees in about four to six years.

Plum Trees

Plum trees can also be distanced up to 100 feet, though you can plant them closer if it suits your yard. Plum trees typically bear fruit three to five years after planting.

Check out our buying guide on selecting fruit trees for further advice — including tips on fruit tree care.