Apple Tree Fails to Produce

No fruit and all leaves is a common complaint of gardeners new to growing apples. Fortunately, with a little time and adjustments in care you will soon be rewarded with fruit.

Patience is the first step. The first few years after planting, your apple tree spends its energy on developing a healthy root system. This is good for the longevity and productivity of the plant.

You will need to start pruning young trees to develop a strong and productive structure. Consider using the central or modified central leader system. You will have a single trunk with several large branches spiraling up the trunk.

Train 5 to 7 main branches for dwarf trees and 7 to 9 for standard size apple trees. Dwarf trees should start blooming and be allowed to develop fruit about 4 or 5 years, while standard trees take a bit longer, 6 or 7 years, after planting.

A bit more information: Avoid excess pruning and over fertilization that promotes leaf and stem growth and discourages flowering and fruiting.