Thinning apples on an apple tree is the process of selectively removing some of the fruit from the tree so the remaining fruit can grow to a larger size. It’s important to thin the apples periodically; otherwise, you may get small fruits that lack flavor. Here are several steps you can take to thin out your apple tree fruit.
Firstly, gently grab a ripe apple in your hands and use your thumbnail to scrape away the “eye” (the spot where the fruit attaches to the branch). If the eye is on the nub side, pull the apple from the branch; if it’s on the shady side, prune it.
Secondly, measure the space between the leaves and the remaining apples by using a flexible ruler. Leave some room for the apples to grow; if there’s less than one inch, prune away the extra apples. Don’t leave more than two inches of space between the apples.
Thirdly, keep the remaining apples equally spaced to ensure each get enough sunlight. With a hand saw, prune the smaller or less developed fruitlets. Don’t prune larger or more developed ones—they’ll need all the nutrients they can get to grow into large, juicy apples.
Fourthly, keep track of your apple tree health. Healthy trees produce larger, sweeter fruits. Look for signs of diseases like cankers and rotting bark, and make sure the tree is receiving enough water and nutrients.
Fifthly, use the shaking method. This involves shaking the branches of your apple tree to knock green apples off the limbs. Make sure to wear protective gear, as this can be a bit dangerous. Also, be gentle—if you shake too hard, you may harm the tree’s branches.
Removing Too Many Apples
When thinning apples from a tree, use caution so you don’t prune off too many. If you remove too many fruits, the tree won’t be able to produce the amount of apples you expect. As a general rule, don’t remove more than 40-50% of the fruit.
Also, look out for any signs of stress, such as wilting leaves or branches. If the tree is already stressed, it’s best not to thin it any further. Give the tree some time to recover before pruning off any more fruits.
Tools and Equipment
When thinning apples, you’ll need some basic tools and equipment, such as hand and pruning sheers and protective gloves. You’ll also need a flexible ruler to measure the space between leaves and apples. For larger trees, it’s a good idea to invest in a pole saw.
Other items you may need include plastic bags, a step ladder, and a bucket or container to discard the pruned apples. Note that when using a pole saw, you must be extra careful. If possible, have a second person stand by so you don’t get injured.
Safety Concerns
Thinning apples can be a dangerous activity if not done correctly. Always wear protective gear and glasses, as pieces of wood and apple can fly up and hurt your eyes. Also, make sure your ladder is securely placed before climbing, and avoid reaching or stretching too far. If the tree is too tall or the branches too thick, seek help from a professional tree trimmer.
Finally, take added caution when shaking the apple tree—it may wobble if you shake it too hard, which can cause branches to break. Take care to ensure you don’t cause any long-term damage to the tree.
Using Chemical Thinning Agents
Finally, if you’ve tried all the methods above and still can’t thin your apples effectively, you can use a chemical thinning agent. These agents are applied to the apple tree’s foliage and help decrease the number of fruit on a tree. However, chemical thinning agents can be expensive and may not be as effective as manual thinning. Plus, they may have adverse effects on the environment and your health, so use them sparingly.
When to Thin Your Apple Tree
The ideal time to thin your apple tree depends on the type of apples you’re growing. Generally, the process should start after the petals fall, when the first quarter-inch of the fruit appears. You can do a second thinning when the apples are pea-sized. And if needed, do a third and final thinning when the apples reach the size of a dime or nickel.
Protecting Your Apples From Insects and Pests
Thinning is key to growing large, juicy apples, but so is protecting your fruit from insects and pests. Surveying your tree for signs of infestations, such as holes or black spots on the leaves and fruits, is essential for maintaining tree health. If you spot any infestations, apply an insecticide to the tree as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
You may also need to use netting to protect your apples from birds. Hang it loosely over the tree, but make sure there’s enough room for a light wind to pass through. You should also inspect your orchard regularly to remove any sick branches or fruits.
Tree Maintenance and Fertilizing
Finally, remember that tree maintenance and fertilizing plays an important role in growing large, flavorful apples. Prune the tree regularly, and apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring before blooming season begins. By taking care of your apple tree, you can ensure a bountiful harvest of juicy and flavorful fruit each year.
