Fruits & Nuts - Apple
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  (January) I have some really nice apple trees. They are always very full of fruit. The last two seasons they have rotted before they got ripe. What should I do?

  Unfortunately, to be guaranteed high quality fruit, you must follow a thorough spray schedule throughout the growing season. Apples are often more forgiving that peaches and plums, but your experience proves that sprays are needed. Your local county extension office does have a home fruit spray schedule which is available. Keep in mind that annual fruit tree pruning is also needed for quality fruit. If you want to see how it is done, there will be a fruit pruning demonstration at the UA Experiment Station in Clarksville, February 3 (2004). The workshop will be from 1 to 4, and cost is $10. To register for the event call 1-479-754-2406.

  (September) I need information on when and how to prune apple trees. I have some in my back yard and have never attempted this. These varieties are approximately five years old.

  Apple trees should be pruned every year, from the first year they are in the ground and every year thereafter. Since your trees have not been pruned in five years, chances are very good, that they need some major pruning. You probably have numerous branches that are crossing over and through the tree, as well as those that are drooping downward. Then you need to do general shaping to keep the tree at a manageable height for picking. Most apple trees are pruned with a central leader system -- sort of like a Christmas tree, with the center branch the tallest, and subsequent branches lower than that. Pruning of fruit trees should be done while they are dormant. Most home gardeners wait until late February to do the pruning. Your local county extension office has a good fact sheet on how to prune.

  I planted a red delicious apple tree in my yard several years ago. It grows well, and I prune it in the spring as needed. I have even begun a spray program for insects and diseases, but I have gotten no apples. How long does it take to produce apples, and is there anything I can do to insure a good crop?

  Apple trees need another variety of apple tree planted nearby to cross pollinate with. That may be one of your problems. The other thing, is that if it is a standard tree, they can take up to eight to ten years to produce apples, while a dwarf tree can begin producing in three to five years.

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