Removing apples.

[misterhelpful]

Hi all,

Sorry if this has been asked before but a quick search didn't give the answer specifically. (Lots of apple tree threads to look through )

I have a small bush type apple tree (James Grieve - eaters/cookers) which was planted 2 years ago and is about 7' tall. Last year there were 12 apples on it, most of which were fine. This year there must be around 80 on it, some of which have started falling off.

After being told by a friend that I should, my question is:

Do I need to remove some of the smaller apples to encourage the others to grow bigger and better or will nature do the work and thin them out naturally?

My fear is that if I remove some and then some of the remainder fall off, I will be left with a very small crop.

The label says for a compact tree to trim back new side shoots to 3" and leading shoots by half in July which I have done since planting but there is nothing to suggest thinning out the apples.

As always, any advice is appreciated.

mrH

 

[Stivino]

There's been an apple tree in my mother's garden for the past fifty years that I know of, we never touch it apart from cutting off the branches that get wind damaged. Every year that tree gives at least 35 Kilos of apples.
There will be plenty advice online at sites like this;
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ap...s=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a

 

[misterhelpful]

Thanks for the link Stivino,

Unfortunately, only having a small garden means I have to keep it in check otherwise I wouldn't have to worry about small crops.

I think I'll just leave the apples well alone and hope the majority of them do well as the smaller ones seem to be dropping off of their own accord.

 

[Geometer]

This is a well-known natural phenomenon called the "June drop". Basically, the tree is getting rid of surplus fruit so it can put it's energy into producing a smaller quantity of better quality fruit. It's nothing to worry about, in fact it's sometimes a good idea to help the process by giving the tree a good shaking.

Geometer