Apple tree dropping too early

Hi all,

I have a fairly old apple tree in the garden, which produces masses of apples, which all drop too early. Any recommendations? Until last summer part of it's trunk had been burried under the soil, which may have been causing it some distress. Now that the apples are starting to form, should i cut out all but one or two per bunch?

Thanks!

broadbean

 

Broadbean

Sounds like the "June Drop" to me, which is normal and natural. Most well established apple trees shed large numbers of small fruit some time about now because they couldn't possibly carry them all on to full size. But further thinning is still advisable if you can reach them. I used to have an ancient Crimson Bramley and I would spend many happy hours up in its branches thinning the apples - I filled many sacks each summer!

You need to ensure the trunk is clear of that soil or its rootstock might be encouraged to sprout. I read somewhere that apple trees benefit from standing in a patch of clear soil at least a metre across.

 

Yes you are probably right - it's just that it drops them all when they are too small. I spent a few hours up there thinning them out to 1 or 2 per bunch and have cleared out the bottom so it's no longer under the earth. Let's see how it goes. I think it's an early apple.

Thanks!

Broadbean

 

Same is happening here - lots of marble sized fruits dropping all over the lawn and paths. Creating a right mess but all of the larger fruits seem to be staying put.