This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Crab Apples
Roy Bennellick
Posts: 3
in Talkback
I have got a John Downie crab apple tree, which I have had for about 10 years, I purchased it for its fruit which, makes really great jam.
The first years not much but that is only to be expected, the second year masses of blossom, and lots of apples, to many, I was able to give some away to my neighbours.
I pruned the following year some of the scraggly branches, and ever since have had hardly any fruit at all, even though I still get blossom although not as much as I did originally.
What have I done wrong? and how can I put it right?
Thanks for your help.
0
Posts
Are you feeding it Roy? Another potential reason is if you let grass or other plants grow right up to the trunk - it's best to leave a circle of about a metre diameter clear around the base of the tree so the tree isn't competing for nutrients. Finally, are there any other apple trees nearby in blossom at the same time? Cross-pollination really helps cropping.
Thanks for your reply Bob.
You have asked if I am feeding the tree, I must admit I am not the worlds bet gardener, but I do try.
I did not realise I had to feed a tree, plants yes but a tree, I have never heard of people feeding trees, the question is what do I feed it on?
The tree is positioned in a boarder so grass is not a problem.
I have looked around other gardens, some have apple trees but I don’t think they are close enough to influence my tree.