If you have more than one apple bonsai tree, place them close to each other to promote cross-pollination. Alternatively, you can use a small brush to transfer pollen from one flower to another.

Pollination requirements are an important factor when planting tree fruits in the home garden. Apples are regarded as self-unfruitful. Most apple cultivars will set a small crop with their own pollen.

Some nurseries also offer apple trees that have two or more compatible cultivars grafted on the same tree, eliminating the need for more than one tree for successful pollination.

“For trees like apples, pears, cherries, and kiwis, having two compatible varieties nearby is usually essential.” While hand pollination is a great and helpful tool, Berendsen still recommends ...