Fruit tree blossoms are highly attractive to many insects, even at a distance. Wild bees and honey bees are especially drawn to the sugar-rich nectar these flowers provide. As they eat and fly, bees touch the flower’s stamens, collecting pollen that sticks to the hairs on their bodies. During their busy flight flower to flower, they transfer this pollen, playing a vital role in pollination.  

Germination begins when a pollen that’s capable of fertilization lands on the stigma of another flower. A pollen tube is formed and grows through the stylus to the ovule in the ovary. If the germ cells fuse, new seeds begin to develop, surrounded by fruit tissue and eventually form fruits, like apples. 

Loyal Bees 

Bees only concentrate on one plant species for the entirety of their flight. A bee would never fly from a daisy to a dandelion and then to an apple blossom. This behaviour is essential for effective pollination, as pollen from one species cannot fertilize the flowers of another.  

Good to know: When temperatures drop, only a few honey bees will take flight. Bumblebees are already active at 4° C and play a key role in pollinating fruit trees at the start of the season. If trees bloom during cold and wet weather, pollination may be limited, resulting in fewer fruits at harvest.  

Choosing the Right Varieties 

Most apple varieties are not self-fertile and require pollen from another variety to produce fruit. That’s why it’s always a good idea to plant multiple apple varieties that bloom at the same time in your garden or neighbourhood. Be sure to ask about compatibility when purchasing apple trees.   

Fruit trees vary in height and are categorized as quarter, half or high trunks. These sizes also influence the amount of fruit they yield each year. When planting, make sure to not only consider the space the tree needs to grow but also how much space you will need for the harvest. Columnar or espalier fruit trees are excellent space-saving options for smaller gardens.  

Native and historic fruit tree varieties offer more than just delicious harvests – they’re also vital for biodiversity: 

• Native insects and animals benefits most from these varieties, having relied on them for food and shelter for generations. 
• Planting these varieties helps preserve genetic diversity and ensure their valuable genes are kept alive. 
• These varieties are well-adapted to local climates, giving them the best chance to thrive.  

Choosing the right location is crucial for a tree’s healthy development. A sunny spot with deep, well-drained soil (no waterlogging!) is ideal. If you’re planting in a newly developed area, be sure to loosen the soil first, as heavy construction vehicles often compact soil, making it harder for new roots to establish themselves.   

Tip: Wrap the roots of your tree with wire mesh before planting to protect them against voles. These rodents love young roots, and their nibbling can kill a tree by disrupting water and nutrient uptake or even cause trees to topple from weakened anchorage.