The apple tree is one of the most common trees in gardens. However, sometimes it does not bear fruit, and there are many reasons for this.
Knowing the reasons why an apple tree may not bear fruit will allow you to correct mistakes in time and continue to harvest a rich crop of fruits.
1. Young and Green
Your apple tree may simply not have reached the age when it starts to bear fruit. The seedling needs to strengthen, form a strong root system, and develop strong shoots, which takes at least 4-5 years. You will need to be patient to wait for the harvest.
2. Abundance of Fruits
When there are too many fruits on the apple tree, the tree may become exhausted and not form new fruits. Every year at the beginning of summer, it is necessary to thin the fruits by removing weak and deformed ones, as well as those that grow too close to each other.
On a fruiting branch, no more than 2/3 of all fruits should be left. By the way, the largest fruits form from the flowers that bloom first.
3. Overfeeding with Nitrogen
If the apple tree receives too much nitrogen, it will grow a powerful crown and stop flowering. Regularly apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers under the tree.
4. Deep Planting of the Root Collar
The root collar is located 3 cm above the top root and should be at soil level. If it is buried in the ground, the bark in this area may rot, and the apple tree will die. Carefully free the root collar from the soil.
5. The Deeds of the Flower Weevil
The larvae of this pest damage the buds by eating them from the inside. To eliminate this problem, carry out preventive measures:
- install trapping belts,
- whitewash the trunks,
- treat with fungicide or use folk remedies, such as garlic infusion: dilute 150 g of crushed garlic in 10 liters of water, strain.
Immediately spray the plant with the prepared solution. Repeat the treatment after a week.
6. Vertical Growth of Branches
Cover the cuts of thick branches with garden pitch. Try to position the other branches as horizontally as possible. Tie weights to thin branches, and attach thick ones to stakes driven into the ground.
7. Excess Moisture
Close groundwater and water stagnation during snowmelt, especially if the area is in a lowland, can lead to root rot, weakening of the tree, and its death. To drain water away from the roots, dig a drainage ditch 60 cm deep near the plant.
By the way
There are varieties of apple trees that do not bear fruit every year — this is genetically predetermined. Therefore, when choosing seedlings at the nursery, be sure to inquire about the varietal characteristics of the plant.
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