Autumn

[Pleater]

No trick that I know of.

As long as the trees are healthy and you don't get a frost on the blossom, or it is too cold and wet for the pollenators to visit, or then so dry that the infant apples drop off, there should be apples. They do need to get some growth - they don't fruit in the first few years.

I have a compost bin which I fill up with kitchen waste and any plant material, and I put it alternately beside the two trees, so they get the benefit of the 'juices' once the bin is removed and the new soil spread about under the tree.

Some varieties of apple require pollen from another variety, as their own doesn't work for them. If there is no other tree nearby then a single tree can be a poor cropper - if the four you have are all the same sort that might be the problem. It is unusual for such trees to be planted alone, though.

They do better if they are pruned a little, cutting off the branches which grow straight up from the middle of the tree whilst they are still young is a good idea, best done about the same time the apples are picked - the tree needs to be kept open and spreading - overpruning is not good, reducing the tree to a pom pom 4 ft across will not do it any good at all.

You could just take your axe outside and sharpen it in a contemplative manner - that might encourage them.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Lyle1]

Is there some trick to getting apples? I have four trees and never seem to set more than five fruit between them.

The lack or fruit might be related to the age of the trees (either too young or two old to bear well), or it might be a matter of how the trees are pruned or not pruned.

[Dale-of-Cedars]

Is there some trick to getting apples? I have four trees and never seem to set more than five fruit between them.

When pruning, don't remove all the fruiting spurs

[Tobus]

That scenery is absolutely breathtaking, Robert!

I was going to ask why you weren't kilted, but then I saw you were on a ladder.

[Woodsheal]

The apple trees are so laden this year, I have bags full of them, and the trees are still groaning under the weight of fruit - as they are not a keeping sort I'll have to freeze or ferment them before they go rotten. I can't give them away - everyone has had a massive crop this year.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

It's the same here in the Northeast US. The wild apple trees, the black walnuts, the currant vines - and every other fruit-bearing plant you can think of! - are bent over towards the ground with the massive crop of fruit.

The deer are going to be big and fat this season...!

[CopperNGold]

Robert, Are you anywhere near Bonneville, near Grenoble?

Jocelyn

[Jock Scot]

Super pictures Robert! We have few apple trees in these parts of Scotland, but I did note with delight, that the orchards of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Normandy were laden with fruit last week.

[ForresterModern]

Lovely crop you have there Robert.

Apple pies, cider (hard or soft), and home made applesauce or cinnamon cooked apples would not be turned down in my household just about any time of year, especially now.

Jeff

[Ancienne Alliance]

Robert, Are you anywhere near Bonneville, near Grenoble?

Jocelyn

Yes! 15 minutes from Bonneville; 1H30 from Grenoble.


Best,

Robert

[CopperNGold]

It's so beautiful there, isn't it, Robert? You and Lady Chrystal are very lucky!

Jocelyn