I think self-pollination depends on the breed of tree. Some need a second variety for pollination, like Blueberries, which produce better when there are 2 different varieties planted. I have 3 different plum trees, so they should pollinate each other. My apple tree is by itself. Don't ask me what kind it is, because I have no idea. I've never tasted an apple like it, not even in Ellijay. It's delicious! The people who lived in this house got most of their trees & plants from the woods behind this property. That whole area used to be cotton fields, but now it's hardwoods, and owned by a paper company. We're near the river, and this part used to be under water. It's all river bottoms back here. I think this apple tree could've come from an old homestead back in the woods. The apple tree is not quite wild, but pretty close. And it's a very old tree. I keep it pruned, and it produces like crazy.
I have all my blueberries together in a very large raised bed. Once they start producing berries, I will use a net over them to keep the birds, and the chickens, away. 2 of my bushes have blooms, so I'll get a handful of berries this year. Likely I won't get much from the blackberries until another year or 2.
