Top 5 Most Popular Apple Trees (and Their Pollinating Partners!) | NatureHills.com

Apple trees can be grown for a variety of different reasons–whether you’re looking for an apple that’ll be delicious fresh off the tree or the ideal fruit for use in the kitchen. Maybe you’re looking for an apple tree that can do both! No matter the size of your garden or the growing zone you live in, Nature Hills offers a wide selection and is sure to carry a tree perfect for your needs.

We put our heads together on our end using horticultural knowledge and reviews to create a list of the top 5 most popular apple trees.

Now- most of these trees will need a partner pollinator in order to maximize their productivity. So we’ll start our list with an honorable mention- Dolgo Crabapple, which offers pollination to a wide variety of other apple trees. With a long bloom period consisting of gorgeous pink buds and white flowers, the sights and smells alone of this tree will create a masterpiece in your backyard. Pair it with any of the trees from the following list, and you’ll be set.

Zestar
To start our list, our #5 choice for apple trees would be the Zestar apple tree. The apples from this tree are tart yet sweet, while the apple skin is a gorgeous deep-red color. If you’re in growing zones 3-7, you’ll get the chance to find out that the fruit off of this tree is exceptionally tasty, just pick it right off the tree and take a bite.
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil, moderately moist
- Zones: 3-7
- Requires about 800 chill hours
- Recommended pollinators: Dolgo, McIntosh, Pink Pearl & Yellow Transparent

McIntosh
Our #4 choice for apple trees would be the McIntosh apple tree. You’re in luck if you’re in growing zones 4-11, since the McIntosh apple tree has fruit that is so crisp and sweet, it’ll be amazing in your homemade applesauce or apple butter. Your garden will be gorgeous and your tummy will be full after you plant this tree.
- Full sun
- Widely adaptable soil, low moisture required once established
- Zones: 4-11
- Requires 500-1000 chill hours
- Recommended/mentioned pollinators: Winesap, Arkansas Black Apple, - Dolgo Crabapples, Freedom, Fuji, Granny Smith, Wolf River, Zestar apples

Pink Lady
Coming in at #3 is the Pink Lady apple tree (also known as Cripps Pink). She speaks for herself, but can we take a moment to appreciate her pretty pink blooms and iconically delicious apples? The Pink Lady grows the best in zones 6-9, since this tree is heat tolerant, has a long growing season, and requires 400 chill hours. Be sure to get your Pink Lady apple tree soon, because our apple trees sell out super quick!
- Full sun
- Widely adaptable soil, low moisture required once established
- Zones: 6-9
- Requires 400 chill hours
- Recommended Pollinators: Cortland, Empire, Frostbite, Fuji, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Pixie Crunch, & Yellow Transparent

Granny Smith
Equally iconic, equally delectable, the Granny Smith apple tree produces tart and flavorful fruit, absolutely perfect for your apple pies, apple crisps, tart apple juice, caramel apples; this tree truly speaks for itself, but we just want to remind you that this tree grows in zones 5-9.
- Full sun
- Widely adaptable soil, low moisture required once established
- Zones: 5-9
- Requires about 400 chill hours
- Although self-fertile, you can also pair with: Fuji, Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Cripps Pink, Freedom, Gala, McIntosh, & Wolf River

Honeycrisp
Without further ado, Nature Hills’ number one apple tree on our list is the Honeycrisp. Displaying fruits colored red and yellow, the Honeycrisp apple tree grows in zones 3-8, and is able to be pruned to fit in any garden whether suburban or urban.
- Full sun
- Widely adaptable soil, low moisture required once established
- Zones 3-8
- Requires 700-1000 chill hours
- Suggested pollinators are Cripps Pink, Freedom, Fuji, Granny Smith

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