I have 3 old apple trees, I thined them out early march. The 2 red varieties are full of flowers but the yellow has very few. This tree is protected and doesnt get strong wind and I trimmed it as I read on a website to open up the canopy as they have been neglected for a long time. Did I trim too much? last year it was full of blossoms and fruit, although small and spotty.
older apple tree with few blossoms
- Thread starter ams3651
- Start date
patandchickens
Deeply Rooted
The effects of this year's pruning on # flowers/fruit will not be seen until NEXT year -- this year's flower buds were formed last fall. (Did that make sense?). Hang in there 
Pat
Pat
- Thread starter
- #3
bills
Deeply Rooted
I doubt the tent caterpillars from last year would have an effect on this years blossoms. Did you prune out the nests last year? My grandfather used to burn the nests, which seemed effective enough, although a bit tricky not to harm the tree.
As Patandchickens says, it's proabaly the effect of the pruning. You may have pruned more of the branches that had fruit buds on them from the yellow apple, than the red apple. Give it time.
It could also be that one variety flowers earlier than the other, so you aren't getting the full show yet, on the yellow apple tree. I have five varietys, and they all flower at just a little different date.
As Patandchickens says, it's proabaly the effect of the pruning. You may have pruned more of the branches that had fruit buds on them from the yellow apple, than the red apple. Give it time.
It could also be that one variety flowers earlier than the other, so you aren't getting the full show yet, on the yellow apple tree. I have five varietys, and they all flower at just a little different date.
wailingbanshee
Leafing Out
Here in UT we are having a blooming problem too. Most of us are chalking it up to the wacky weather.
Farmer Kitty
Chillin' In The Garden
Some trees bloom heavy one year and then will have fewer blooms the following year.
