• Apple trees classified as self-pollinating or self-fruitful do not need pollen from another type of apple tree to bear fruit. Self-fruitful apple trees contain both the pollen and the pistil, the part of the blossom that develops into fruit. Bees may use pollen from self-pollinating trees to pollinate other apple trees. If you want an apple tree in your yard but don't have room for two or three, you need to choose a self-pollinating variety. Apple trees need a full-sun growing environment to produce fruit. All apple trees should be pruned annually to remove weak or dead wood and encourage new growth.
  
  

Rome Apples

• Rome apple trees date back to the 1840s and originated in Ohio. Rome apples are small, solidly red heirloom apples sometimes called Rome Beauty apples. These apples are good for eating and baking. Their firm white flesh holds up during baking and the apple is only mildly sweet. The fruit ripens mid-season. Rome apple trees can be grown in hardiness zones 3 to 7. These apple trees average 10 to 15 feet in height and are self-fruitful.
  
  

Gala

• Gala apples have red skin with yellow striping. These apples have a sweet, mild flavor and ripen early in the season. Gala apples were developed in 1934 from parent apples Golden Delicious and Kidd's Orange Red Delicious. These trees are self-pollinating. Gala apple trees average 10 to 15 feet in height and can be grown in hardiness zones 5 to 8.
  
  

Golden Delicious

• Golden Delicious apples have a yellow skin and a flavor that's highly sweet. The fruit is large, with a crisp texture. Golden Delicious apples are ideal for baking, desserts and eating out of hand. Golden Delicious apple trees are self-fruitful, can grow up to 20 feet tall and can be planted in hardiness zones 4 to 7. The Golden Delicious apple is a parent apple to many modern apples, including Honeycrisp, Pink Lady and Mutsu.
  
  

Empire

• The Empire apple tree is a cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh and was developed in New York in 1966. Empire trees are high-yielding, self-pollinating fruit trees that are easy to grow. The fruit ripens early in the season. Their medium-sized dark red apples are good for eating fresh or for baking. Their taste is sweet and tart. Empire apple trees can be grown in zones 3 to 9 and can reach up to 30 feet in height.