Do Anna Apple Trees Need to Be Pollinated?

Cross-Pollination

• "Anna" apple trees typically flower in spring and, if properly pollinated, produce summer fruits. Bees and other pollinating insects thrive in warm spring weather -- the sunlight warms their cold-blooded bodies for ample flying maneuvers. Because "Anna" trees prefer full sunlight locations, bees bask in the warmth as they move between flowers on different apple tree varieties. Pollen grains swiped from male anthers attach to female stigmas for successful fertilization and fruit development. Your "Anna" cross-pollination may suffer, however, if spring is unseasonably cool. Wet and cold weather deters insect activity and reduces fruiting yields, especially if it continues for a period of time.

Matching Bloom Times

• For successful cross-pollination, a nearby apple tree must be in bloom at the same time as your "Anna." Each apple variety has a slightly different bloom period, ranging from early spring to summer. A good "Anna" match is the "Dorsett Golden." This apple tree blossoms at almost the same time as "Anna" -- insects easily move between these two separate types of trees for nectar sustenance and pollen grain transfer. If you do not have a nearby apple tree with the same general blossoming period, your "Anna" will not have a high fruit yield and may abort the fruits that do appear from poor genetic diversity with reduced insect activity.

Spacing

• Successful "Anna" pollination also relies on tree spacing. Bees try to conserve energy when feeding on nectar -- they want the shortest distance between blossoms to reduce flight time and increase food supplies. In general, a standard-sized "Anna" tree needs no more than 200 feet of space from a neighboring pollinizer tree. Dwarf trees need the tightest spacing -- 20 feet -- while semi-dwarf types require approximately 50 feet. This specific spacing allows each tree to grow without limitations on natural resources, but the trees are close enough for active insect movement between varieties.

Considering Self-Pollination

• With flowers holding both male and female reproductive organs, "Anna" trees can self-pollinate. Reduced insect activity may cause your "Anna" to simple pollinate itself, but fruit yields are not of the best quality -- nature encourages reproductive diversity through crossing pollen grains between trees. Small fruit sizes and failed development often result from self-pollination. For the best fruit quality and quantity, "Anna" trees need cross-pollination for strong growth.