Hi, Cape Crusader: Yes, grafting these two varieties should help with pollination. Your main concerns for your tree right now should be regarding water and pests. It needs to survive and prosper after the shock of planting, so be sure that it has a moist (not wet) environment, perhaps by mulching the base to help retain moisture. This is especially true if it is susceptible to salt mist from the sea. Of course, you will need to inspect it carefully every day to make sure that nothing is showing up on its leaves, etc. If you see pests or disease, then a quick application of organic insecticide or fungicide for apples would be in order. Perhaps a bigger threat this time of year is larger critters, and especially deer. You might consider erecting a high chickenwire cage for your tree, well staked for support. Don't rely on nonphysical barriers/deterrents such as sound and light, as deer that survive in populated areas aren't dumb. Or ... even better than the above ... find a local orchard, bake some cookies, and go have a lonnnnng chat with the owners. They'd love it. Good luck!
Hi, Cape Crusader: Yes, grafting these two varieties should help with pollination. Your main concerns for your tree right now should be regarding water and pests. It needs to survive and prosper after the shock of planting, so be sure that it has a moist (not wet) environment, perhaps by mulching the base to help retain moisture. This is especially true if it is susceptible to salt mist from the sea. Of course, you will need to inspect it carefully every day to make sure that nothing is showing up on its leaves, etc. If you see pests or disease, then a quick application of organic insecticide or fungicide for apples would be in order. Perhaps a bigger threat this time of year is larger critters, and especially deer. You might consider erecting a high chickenwire cage for your tree, well staked for support. Don't rely on nonphysical barriers/deterrents such as sound and light, as deer that survive in populated areas aren't dumb. Or ... even better than the above ... find a local orchard, bake some cookies, and go have a lonnnnng chat with the owners. They'd love it. Good luck!