Apples n Pears!

Orange_King

We have an apple and a pear tree which have been in the garden fro a couple of years - the apple tree gave us a few apples last year but to date we have had no pears. They were part of a patio collection and arrived as 5 ft trees.

I think the trees need a good pruning but don't want to do any damage. Can someone please advise when the pruning should be done and how much should be removed to encourage fruit to develop?

Farway

First up, do you have pollinator trees near by? Or was the collection self pollinating?

I guess they are in pots? If you have space plant them in the ground, they will thank you for it

What variety are they, some varieties are very reluctant to fruit, Cox Orange pippin is an example

Have search on RHS web site for pruning, the summer prune time is getting near, but do not rush out now

Orange_King

Thanks Farway, the trees are in the ground for about 18 months now - they arrived as self pollinating, Braeburn and Conference varieties. Also have a victoria plum which flowered for the first time this year and has 3 plums growing! I suspect it also needs a good pruning back.

forgotmyname

Did they flower?

Mine are starting to grow now. Still very small though.

I hacked it back hard early this year. I did it too late really but it was getting spindly so it needed it.

Orange_King

Yes, they all flowered but only the plum tree has fruit growing.

The wind probably took a lot off but surely there should be a better return than 3 plums!

Farway

It depends very much on weather at blossom time, last year my Sunburst cherry had loads of blossom came to nothing due to wind & rain

This year, loads of fruit

Plums flower early so that could be one cause

Self pollinators always do better if another variety is near, it is just the way it is

Odd about your apples though, this year mainly is a cracker due to late spring