Fruit Thinning

A matter which is quite nearly related to pruning is

thinning the fruit, and may properly be treated here. That this is not

as common a practice with most fruit-growers as it should be, the

great lack of uniformity in our ordinary market apples is ample

evidence. Many persons will at once raise the question as to whether

or not it is practicable to thin the fruit on large apple trees. The

answer is that many growers find it not only practicable, but most

profitable to do so. Wherever fruit of a uniform size and color is

desired, thinning is a practical necessity, especially when the crop

of fruit is heavy.



The proper time to thin the fruit is just after what is commonly known

as the "June drop," i.e., the falling off of those fruits not well

enough pollinated or set to hold on to maturity. In thinning the fruit

should be taken off until they are not closer than from four to six

inches apart on the same branch, although the distance apart on any

branch will depend somewhat on the amount of the crop on other parts

of the tree. Never leave clusters of fruit on any branches, as some of

them are sure to be small and out of shape. Furthermore two apples

lying together afford a fine place for worms to get from one apple to

another and they seldom fail to improve the opportunity. Step ladders

and ordinary rung ladders are used to get at the fruit for thinning.

The cost of the operation is not nearly as large as might appear at

first thought and in practically all cases is a paying investment.