Fruit tree pollination is very important when selecting trees. One of the most common question asked when planting fruit trees is how many trees do you have to plant in order to get fruit. It can be a bit confusing as some fruit trees will produce fruit by themselves (self-pollinating) while other types will need 2 or more different varieties in order to set fruit. Apples: Plant two or more different varities for cross pollination to bear fruit. Flowering crabs and wild applies will serve as pollination too. Pears: Plant two or more different varieties for best fruit production.