Columnar Apple Drop - Ask Extension
Hello.
Here is my issue: I have a columnar apple tree (scarlet) in the ground. It is about three years planted, in direct sun all day, and watered...
Knowledgebase
Columnar Apple Drop #846834
Asked August 22, 2023, 3:04 PM EDT
Hello.
Here is my issue: I have a columnar apple tree (scarlet) in the ground. It is about three years planted, in direct sun all day, and watered once a week on average (though it may not be watered every seven days on average). Earlier this year, I "culled" groups of three or four apples to direct the plant's resources to the one or two healthiest looking ones. They have the usual non-sprayed-apples look (worm holes and other imperfections), but most grievously(!), the apples have been dropping to the ground all summer. Are you able to suggest a reason for this. Thank you very much,
Gm.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Sounds like you are doing most everything well. I suspect they are dropping for a wide variety of reasons. First, this is an early maturing cultivar and should be close. Once mature they can fall off easily. The other reason are the various pest issues you have identified. The tree will jettison those injured apples early as well. Here is a publication that might help you with that:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-631-managing-diseases-insects-home-orchards
And then there are those nasty varmints that are all over my trees. In my case, squirrels get at some of them but others drop in the process, then the deer eat what hits the ground. I never get any these days at my home. My point is there may be other reasons for the apples dropping that you may not realize yet.
I hope you get some this year and have a plan to get more next year.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-631-managing-diseases-insects-home-orchards
And then there are those nasty varmints that are all over my trees. In my case, squirrels get at some of them but others drop in the process, then the deer eat what hits the ground. I never get any these days at my home. My point is there may be other reasons for the apples dropping that you may not realize yet.
I hope you get some this year and have a plan to get more next year.
