Fruit trees. Do they need a mate?

Archeron · 28-06-2006 1:44pm #1

I've just recently planted 4 fruit trees on my garden, 3 of them are together and one is all out on its own (aww)
The one on its own is a pear tree, and it looks like its not very happy. very droopy leaves, looks like its very tired, if thats possible for a tree.
The other three trees are fruiting perfectly, but not this one. Someone mentioned to me that pear trees have to have a sexual partner before they'll fruit. Is that true, or have I just planted it in a gammy place?

I know plants need to pollenate each other, but I've never heard of them needing partners.
thanks

Reyman · 28-06-2006 1:51pm

Most pear trees like apple trees need a pollination partner to give fruit.
The only self pollinating variety I know of is 'Conference ' -- if you haven't got this one you need to get a second suitable pollinating tree.

28-06-2006 1:52pm

Was told once that you need at least two trees to bare fruit.
We use to have two apple trees out the back that we got from a family member who sells trees.

I found this about apple trees
http://www.whatprice.co.uk/gardening/apple-tree-planting.html

Brian.

The Hill Billy · 28-06-2006 2:17pm

I have a single hybrid apple tree that bears fruit.
I don't think that either variety in the hybrid is "Conference".

Would splicing a cutting from another tree help?
(I used "splicing" as I am unsure as to the correct term. I'm sure that you know what I mean though.)

RiderOnTheStorm · 28-06-2006 2:33pm

its my understanding that you need 2 trees to pollinate in order to get fruit (unless its a self-pollinating type)..... but 2 trees within bee-flying distance is ok! If your neighbour has a pear tree, then you should be ok.

Macy · 28-06-2006 2:43pm

If it's not a self pollinating one, you need to grow it with a polinator (or within range of one). I think there are 3 groups - to do with when they flower. I don't think it's quite as simple as getting any other pear tree.

Doubt that would effect the growth though - which maybe the reason it isn't fruiting? Is it more exposed and frost might have got the flowers compared to the other's.

I'm certainly no expert, but might be enough to get you further?

The Hill Billy · 28-06-2006 3:06pm

Pop into a decent garden center when you get a chance & ask them their opinion.

Archeron · 28-06-2006 3:52pm

Cool, thanks all. Its weird though, the other 3 trees are a plum, a cherry and an apple, and theres mountains of fruit (this is only their second year down) Maybe we'll have plums that taste like apples!!

cheers again.

Wishbone Ash · 28-06-2006 3:54pm

Make sure to prune them in winter to keep up the fruit yield.

MarVeL · 28-06-2006 4:09pm

We have a conference out back on its own and it is doing fairly well (Fruited in the 2nd year). Reading up on it though it seems to be that the yield will be higher with a second tree that can pollinates at around the same time

Mike_C · 29-06-2006 3:58pm

If your pear tree is not self-pollenating variety you will need a partner pear tree of a different variety that flowers at the same time. an apple tree or any other fruit tree will not pollenate it (think crossing a dog with a cat! ) it just doesnt work. Poor growth is probably do to the location, pears like a warm south facing location if possible trained on a south facing wall. with most city or town locations there is normally sufficient fruiting trees within bee-flying distance to provide free pollen.

muffler · 29-06-2006 6:25pm

I always thought that the bees and wasps assisted with the pollination process

Wishbone Ash · 29-06-2006 6:29pm

muffler wrote:

I always thought that the bees and wasps assisted with the pollination process

That was before genetic engineering

Fruit trees. Do they need a mate?

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