Hi, we are newer to the island and planted a Summerred apple tree and a Louisa weeping crab apple, when we landscaped 2 seasons ago. It blossomed at that time, and we got 7 apples from it that year. Last year with the winter we had we feared the apples and roses might be worse for wear. Not so, we had a glorious blossoms in late April and 30 apples off this small tree. This year the crab is fully blossomed and has its leaves but the apple has gone straight to leaf. It looks healthy. What could be the problem?
Quite a few types of apple trees (as well as others) have a tendency to bear fruit only in alternate years, especially if they set a very large crop that is not thinned sufficiently. It's likely that the 30 apples that you got from this tree last year was an excessive crop; so the tree has shut down production for this year. It happens a lot; I had the same thing happen to a Fuji apple graft this year. You will probably have lots of blossoms next year; in which case you should probably thin the crop quite drastically.
That's good to know. It's true that the tree was so laden with fruit for it's size ( only 5-6' tall with 3-4 branches) that we supported the 1 heavily ladened branch that would have almost touched the ground with it's fruit. Coming from the prairies and loving apples, especially this fresh, that it is difficult thinking I need to cut back. Would I do that when it sets it's fruit, after blossoming, or when is the most appropriate time. Really appreciate the help!
That was an excellent instructional video. Thanks very much for the help. Watch out next year for much better fruit!
