I have some Ginger Gold and Haralson on M.7 in their 3rd year (planted
2009) that look like they are doing well, and may set a decent number of
fruits this year, but I'm not sure if the trees could take it. The
caliper is probably not more than 1 1/2 inches. If, after thinning, I
left 40 apples on these trees, would this be detrimental to the
production in future years? I'm trying to figure out how much to leave
on. I also have some Chestnut crabs that look a bit more sturdy, at
more than 2" caliper, that I could visualize a good 40-50 apples per
tree, since the fruit is a bit smaller.
What are others experiences in allowing young trees to crop at
appropriate amounts?
Thanks,
Anton Ptak
zone 4a western WI
[NAFEX] crop load on young trees,
anton ptak, 05/15/2011