Every fall the apples fall off my tree and create a mess. I like the flowers and shade but am tired of picking up the fallen fruit. Is there anything I can do, short of cutting down the tree, to prevent the fruit from forming?
Look for a neighbor that may want to care for your tree in exchange for the harvest. If this isn’t possible you could try spraying the tree with Florel. This relatively new product is being used to eliminate fruit on a variety of plants, including apples and crabapples. Timing and proper application are critical for successful results. Misapplication can result in fewer but larger fruit. Ethylene, a plant hormone, is the active ingredient in Florel. It is available on-line or from some select garden centers. Or hire a certified arborist, tree care professional. They have easier access to the product and the proper equipment and knowledge to achieve the desired results.