Why Apple Pollination Groups Matter

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Hopefully, this video shows why fruit tree pollination groups matter. You will see why they affect the quality and quantity of your crop - especially when you only have a couple of trees. You will also learn a wonderfully "beautiful" solution. The video shows apple trees, but the same principles apply to pears and, in a few cases, to cherries an plums as well.
Here is a bit more info:
You can order crabapple trees for delivery in autumn/winter at www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/trees...
We also have a useful pollination group checking tool at www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/garde...
And if you are thinking about planting fruit trees, then take a look at our video on the subject at www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/garde...
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[@fizzedupslade4082]

Hiya, how near does fairly near have to be?

[@AshridgeTrees]

People say that bees can fly as much as four miles when collecting pollen. So in theory, a compatible apple tree could be a couple of miles away. However, a local beekeeper here (with some decades of experience) says that bees are time and motion study geniuses. As they are almost literally collecting energy, they expend as little as possible doing so. That is why, for example, you don't find many in windy spots or at altitude (which is also why people don't grow apples in either). Flying distances between trees is therefore a last resort. So I am going to guess and say generally not more than 50-100 metres.
Hope this helps

[@fizzedupslade4082]

@@AshridgeTrees
Yes thank you. I have gardens next, adjacent to me with apples/crab apples. However, this morning I did get a paint brush out and gather some pollen and paint on my young apple tree. It's a small one and this year has lots of blossom 😍

[@AshridgeTrees]

@@fizzedupslade4082 If they are that close, the bees will do your work for you. And... if you don't already know which groups your apples are in you could check at www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/gardening-advice/fruit-tree-advice/pollinationchecker - they need to be in the same letter group (eg both in B will work) or in adjacent letter groups (eg A and B or B and C will work). They cannot be in letter groups that do not touch (eg A and C will not work).

[@fizzedupslade4082]

@@AshridgeTrees Yes, thank you very helpful and useful info. Given the distances mentioned here - I am hopeful I'll get apples this year.