avocado trees

I have heard that in order to produce fruit on an avocado tree I must have at least 2 trees, a male and a female. I have also been told that avocados are both male and female within the same tree and that two are not necessary to abtain fruit. Can anyone tell me if I need two trees? If so how close together should they be planted?
Thanks!

Hi,

I have a great book about citrus and subtropical fruits (including avocados) from ortho books called "All About Citrus & Subtropical Fruits".

Here's a quote about pollination:
"Most avocados are self-fruitful. In California, however, by combining the right varieties you can increase yields. Avocado flowers are classed as type A or type B. Varieties with type A flowers are receptive to pollen in the morning, but don't release their pollen until the afternoon of the following day. The situation is reversed with Type B avocados. The flowers are receptive in the afternoon but the pollen isn't released until the following morning. Combining the two varieties with different flower types ensures that plenty of pollen is available when flowers are most receptive, and results in high yields, although a single tree will produce enough fruit for most families.

If space is limited, either graft pollenizer limbs onto the desired variety or plant more than one tree in a single hole. Semidwarf varieties are also useful in small gardens"

I did a bunch of research about the same issue, i wanted to grow 'Hass' and when I moved into a new house in Point Loma and i wanted to know if i had to grow two. I was told to take a look in the neighborhood and see how many other avocado trees there are within about a 1-2 mile radius - it ends up there are about 150, some small, some large etc (it was like when you get a new car and then you see it everywhere:laugh:). They said if you can see others in that area that it's almost certain that you'll find a compatible pollenizer. It worked great for me, so i only have one. But to be honest, if i had more room i would plant 10 varieties - they are so great and so varied!

It looks like you live in Rancho Santa Fe, I'd have to think you have tons of neighborhood Avos.

I have a small list of which type of flower a few varieties have - which kind of avo are you wanting to grow?

Good Luck - i hope i've helpedB)

Thank you, very informative. I have already planted a Haas. I see that there is another avo across the fence from me. Not sure what it is?

I'm no expert, but i'm sure you'll be fine!