How often apple trees bear fruit: Things that affect your harvest

Most people assume that all apple trees bear apples once a year, but it's not always true.

There are some factors that can make these trees bear fruit way more rarely.

Let's find out why you don't harvest your fruit trees annually.

Age of the Tree

Young apple trees usually take a few years to mature and produce their first fruit. 

It is common for apple trees to start bearing fruit around three to five years after being planted.

Pollination

Apple trees are not self-pollinating, meaning they require pollination from another compatible apple tree or a different apple variety that flowers around the same time. 

Bees and other pollinators play a crucial role in transferring pollen between the flowers, which leads to fruit development. 

Climate and Growing Conditions

Apple trees require a certain number of chilling hours (hours of cold temperature) during winter to break their dormancy and stimulate flower bud development. 

Pruning and Thinning

Regular pruning removes dead or diseased wood, encourages new growth, and improves air circulation and light penetration into the tree canopy. 

Thinning the fruit is also important to ensure better fruit quality and prevent branches from becoming overloaded with fruit, which can lead to smaller, inferior apples.

Disease and Pest Management

Implementing appropriate disease and pest management strategies, such as regular inspections, proper hygiene, and timely treatments, can help protect the tree and promote fruiting.
 

• Related news:
• gardening tips
• apples
• apple tree
• 16 June 2023

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