'Newtown Pippin' is a late-flowering tree that is not self fertile. Thus, it requires an apple tree of a different variety nearby in order to produce fruit. The 2 requirements are that the pollen of the second apple tree is compatible and that it blooms at the same time as the 'Newtown Pippin.'

These lists should help you find a suitable variety:
- Pollinator Apple Trees - Pollinators for apples
- Pollinator trees for 'Newtown Pippin' - Pollinators for 'Newtown Pippin'

By this time of year, supplies of suitable trees may be rather short. But you could still be successful if you plant the pollinator tree next year. The reason? Any fruits that develop during the first 3 years must be removed in order to promote the development of a vigorous root system that will support the abundant yields you anticipate.

(Fortunately, the Italian Plum is self-fertile; it will be fine on its own.)

Also, create, and maintain, a grass-free-zone at the base of the tree that extends outward to the dripline -- an imaginary line on the ground directly below the branch tips. Then, fill the clear-zone with wood chips to 3- or 4-inches deep.

Such an area also affords a handy place to water deeply -- to 10-inches deep -- every 3 weeks during our dry summer months.

Because the trees are young, the following free publications will be helpful to you:

- Young trees should be trained into sturdy specimens which will be able to support future yields. You'll find the specifics in Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard.

- Another part of pruning fruit trees is removing (thinning) excess fruits that set. For apples and pears, this means to retain just one, healthy fruit per cluster. That said, realize that all fruits should be removed the first 3 years, this to allow the development of a sturdy root system that will support the abundant yields you expect. For details, see Fruit thinning.

Enjoy your garden!