Many locals in Georgia with green thumbs indulge in including fruit trees in their landscaping. Fruit trees offer many benefits, but the fresh fruit is the biggest reward. When it comes to planting fruit trees however, some are self-pollinating and other require a cross pollinator in addition to knowing which fruit trees are better suited for the region and climate you are in. Today, we at Milam’s Tree Service would like to share which fruit trees are self-pollinating and which need a cross-pollinator in order to produce the sweet fruit you crave.
Fruit Tree Pollination Guide
Keep in mind, that though some trees are self-pollinating, many trees will frequently produce larger yields with a cross pollinator. Proper pollination depends on wind and honeybee factors as well, but it is important you do not plant cross pollinators more than 100 feet apart and 20-50 feet apart are recommended for optimal results. Additionally, you cannot cross pollinate with two of the same trees.
Apple Fruit Tree Cross Pollination – Where some people find they have limited space, the Fruit Cocktail trees are a popular choice. Crabapple trees is another option to cross pollinate with apple trees.
Avocado Tree Pollination: Most will take an avocado tree that has been grafted as they are unreliable to start from a seed and if successful, it can take over a decade to see fruit in perfect conditions. These trees have flowers that have male and female flower parts, which open at different times of the day, preventing self-pollination. Coming as type A and type B tree, planting them together allows male and female bloom times to overlap to make cross pollination successful.
Pollinating Cherry Trees: Most sweet cherry trees require a cross pollinator with a few exceptions such as Stella, Lapin’s and Starkrimson. Sour cherries for the most part, are self- pollinating, but it is always good to check for specific instruction for growing the specific cherry tree you plant.
Lemon, Lime & Citrus Tree Cross Pollinators: The majority of citrus trees are self-fertile and do not any cross-pollinators, but like apples, will produce larger yields with one. Overlapping bloom time is important if you opt to give your citrus tree a cross pollinator, and also that both varieties are equally cold hardy.
How are Figs Pollinated?: No cross pollinator required. Too much or too little water can hinder their production however as well as too little sun. They should get 6 hours or more of sunlight. If limbs from other trees are hindering the sun’s absorption, you can help your fig tree by getting the neighboring trees’ canopy pruned. Additionally, fig trees can take 3-5 years before they produce fruit.
Peach, Nectarine & Apricot Trees Pollination: Peach trees self-pollinate but will produce better fruit with beneficial pruning. Peach trees producing 1000 small peach can’t be eaten, but with thinning, the fruit will be bigger and will produce 200, but will be increasingly more edible. A few peach trees, like the J.H. Hale peach, however, do require a pollinator. Nectarines and apricots are related to peaches, thus are similar and do not require a cross pollinator.
Pear Tree Pollination: Pear trees are a self-pollinator and need the type A and B pair to produce fruit.
Plum Tree Pollination: European and Japanese plum trees cannot cross pollinate as they bloom at different times. These trees require a cross pollinator. There are a few exceptions in the European Variety including the Methley, Santa Rose, Abundance and Burbank that can self-pollinate.
Pomegranate Pollination: They do not cross-pollinate but pomegranate flowers have flowers with female and male parts and require the 2 types of trees to produce larger yields.
Tree Trimming, Pruning & More in McDonough, Jackson, Jonesboro, Fayetteville, Hampton, Sunny Side GA | Fayette, Clayton & Henry Counties, Georgia
When it comes to pruning your fruit trees in Georgia, you need an experienced professional who knows how to maintain healthy trees and promote optimal fruit. To ensure your needs are met, call Milam’s Tree Service and let our experts take care of your trees.