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I planted an apple tree about five years ago. However, the apples are really small and wanted to know how I could improve the size and quality of the growth?


Question asked by: knowitall

If the quality of the apples is poor, then it could be due to the conditions around the tree.

Common problems include the tree not receiving the right amount of sun - is it somewhere dark? If so try to get it more light or if practical, move it.

Is it too cold or too warm for the tree? If so try to compensate for this or buy a species more suited.

Another common problem for apples not swelling is lack of water. In fruiting years, be sure to water the plant thoroughly to give it the best chance of getting all the water it needs for the apples to swell.

If the leaves of the tree look in poor condition also be sure to fertilise it - for instance if leaves are yellow or mottled then they require some of the trace elements like nitrogen or phosphorus to make them healthier again and bear fruit.

By: Unknown
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Comments and other answers:

If you planted it from seed then you probably have a crab apple tree. You might be able to increase the size of the the apples by exensively thinning them. Commercial apples are never grown from pips, but are gratfed onto a rootstock.
By: steve

Date of comment: Sat, Feb 3rd 2007

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Question Keywords

wanted  growth  quality  size  improve  tree  apple  

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