When choosing a tree pollination is an important consideration to pay attention to.

Most apple trees need another apple tree nearby to pollinate them and produce fruit. This means they need a compatible variety that flowers at the same time, so bees and other insects can transfer pollen between them

To make it simple, apple trees are grouped into pollination groups based on when they flower. Trees in the same group or one group apart will usually pollinate each other well.

• Early. Flowers late April-early May (Group A/B) - can be vulnerable to late frosts,
• Mid. Flowers early-mid May (Group C/D). Overlaps slightly with both early and late groups; this is the most common flowering window,
• Late. Flowers in mid-late (Group E/F). Flower later, avoiding most frosts, but need matching late/mid season trees for pollination.

Top tips when choosing

You’ll need at least two trees that flower around the same time. Choose two or more varieties from the same or adjacent flowering groups (e.g., Early + Mid, Mid + Late). If there are other apple trees nearby - in a neighbour’s garden or hedgerow, those trees may help with pollination too.

STILL UNSURE?

Just ask - we’re happy to help you choose the right match!