Sometimes in June or autumn the apples just seem to fall from the tree, as if following a silent command. In this guide we clarify what lies behind this phenomenon and what measures can prevent the fruit from being dropped.
Why does my apple tree drop apples?
In autumn, the apple tree prepares for thewinteranddropstherefore theripe fruitsHowever, it can also be the so-calledJune fruit fall. After pollination, the fruit tree separates itself from the insufficiently fertilized apples.
What to do with apples that fall from the apple tree too early?
The surplusfruitsdropped from the apple tree by the June fall are still verysmalland cannotripen. That's why the only thing left is to collect them and dispose of them in the compost.
The unripe apples would otherwise start to rot and attract vermin. They are also a breeding ground for a wide variety of fungal diseases.
Can I prevent the June fall?
Since it is anatural protective mechanismof the apple tree, you cannot stop theJune fall. Hobby gardeners can also do something, so that the tree actually keeps the most beautiful fruits:
- Cut off very small or misshapen apples yourself by the beginning of June.
- Pruning also ensures balanced fruit formation.
- Make sure the location is optimal and fertilize the fruit tree regularly.
Why do ripe apples fall from the apple tree?
The fruits are not overripe or too heavy for the apple tree, but rather the apple tree drops them so that theseeds reach the ground,where they germinate and grow into a new tree can.
For this reason, the tree interrupts the supply of nutrients. This causes the initially elastic stem base of the fruit to become hard and porous. If wind blows through the branches, the apples fall to the ground.
Can you still use the fallen fruit?
Fallen fruit is much too good for the compost, because the fruit that has fallen to the ground can be used to preparetasty dishes:
- Collect the apples as quickly as possible so that they don't get brown dents.
- You can use perfect fruits for juicing.
- Cut out the damaged areas from less beautiful apples and process them into applesauce.
- Apple jelly or apple chutney are also very popular.
- Fallen fruit is also suitable for baking and for pickling in alcohol.
Tip
Helping the June Fall
If there are still too many apples left on the tree after June fall, you should help nature and remove excess fruit by hand. Although at first glance this reduces the harvest, the individual fruits become larger and taste much more aromatic. In addition, with this measure you avoid the alternation and promote fruit set next year.