Fruit Thinning Is Way More Important Then You Think

Fruit thinning is way more important then you think. The number one reason I thin my fruit trees is because it leads to significantly better quality fruit. But there are lots of other reasons to thin your trees as well like enhanced air circulation, branch damage prevention, consistent harvest, and reduced stress. Its April 28th here in southeastern Pennsylvania zone 7a and the peach trees, apple trees, plum trees, and pear trees have all set fruit. Its important to start thinning the bulk of the fruit off as soon as you can since we do not want to waist any energy and nutrients into fruit we don't plan to harvest. You can be very aggressive with peaches and plums since they usually grow on second and first year wood. When it comes to pears and apples you need to be more careful not to damage the fruit spurs. A fruit spur is where the tree will try and grow fruit over a couple continuous years. Do not pull or tear at a pear or apple fruitlet you instead need to clip them off with your nails or scissors. Most of you back yard fruit growers or homesteaders will be able to thin your trees by hand but once you get over a certain amount the task becomes immense. Orchards will use sprays like Lime-sulfur, Ethephon, and Carbaryl when the fruit is a certain millimeter size to help remove the bulk of the crop. These sprays interfere with the natural hormones responsible for fruit development. Last year I didn't thin my white peach enough and an entire large branch broke off in a wind storm. Then the year before I didn't thin my Toka Plum tree and the fruit was very mealy lacking flavor and sugar content. ‪@UncleClaysOrchard‬ highly recommends you thin your trees aggressively and early, but don't be afraid to continue to thin the entire season. #apples #peach #homestead #orchard #garden #gardening #gardeningtips #appletrees #fruittrees #fruit

[@pmdog619]

Great Information Good to see more people's garden. Keep growing my friend!

[@UncleClaysOrchard]

thank you! and thanks for watching

[@shipod]

super educational! thank you.

[@UncleClaysOrchard]

you seem a little more active on youtube these days…..

[@shipod]

@@UncleClaysOrchard paternity leave is a beautiful thing

[@suttonsplash14]

This is a great channel I hope you get more subs!

[@UncleClaysOrchard]

I appreciate that. Thanks

[@ubesep]

It''s May the 2nd here in Northern Europe (Baltics, Latvia). My cherries are in fool bloom now and apple trees will flower any day now. I look at You SOUTHERNERS with a bit of envy! :) P.S. Very infomative video and so nicely explained that my 6 year old son will be able to do the fruit thinning now. KUDOS!

[@UncleClaysOrchard]

thank you! what type of cherries are you growing?

[@ubesep]

@@UncleClaysOrchard I have 3 sweet cherry (Prunus Avium) trees. Pink, Yellow and Red

[@LittlePieceOfHeaven.65]

Great info on the different varieties of fruit trees and their thinning need. Didn't know about ' June Drop' thanks!

[@UncleClaysOrchard]

thanks for always watching!

[@albertonunez5870]

is the fencing around the trees to protect from deer?

[@vguvuy]

nice video. i still feel that u need to thin again after a week of initial thining

[@UncleClaysOrchard]

totally agree; i should have explained alittle better, but i will continue to thin all season long

[@geriannroth449]

Great content. What's the name of that gorgeous lilac flowering tree at the beginning of your video?

[@UncleClaysOrchard]

Syringa vulgaris “common lilac”

[@geriannroth449]

​@UncleClaysOrchard it's gorgeous. Can it be propagated by seeds? Where can I purchase some seeds for this plant?

[@geriannroth449]

Do you think it'll thrive in the tropics or does it require chill hours?

[@UncleClaysOrchard]

i don’t know alot about Lilacs i can try and do some research for you

[@UncleClaysOrchard]

what zone do you live in?