Dwarf Granny Smith apples (Malus domestica “Granny Smith”), which develop in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, produce green, crisp and tart fruit perfect for baking and salads. Nearly all apples (Malus spp.) Need cross-pollinating to keep fruit. Even those that are labelled as self-fruitful set bigger, better fruit when cross-pollinated.
Pollinating Principles
The nearer the pollinator is to this dwarf Granny Smith, the greater the pollination. Bees and other insect pollinators will see trees near each other, resulting in the cross-pollination which will create bigger, better tasting fruit. Nearly any fertile apple tree is going to do, including the flowering crabapple (Malus spp.) , which will be hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8 and may decorate your or your neighbors’ landscapes.