Why does the apple tree bloom but there are no apples?

A common problem for gardeners is excessive flowering of apple trees without subsequent fruiting. Below, you can learn about the causes and solutions.

Frosts

A common problem is spring frosts that occur during flowering. Blooming flowers will die at temperatures below 2°C, and fruit buds at -1°C.

Solution to the problemIf frost is expected, it's important to protect the fruit buds. This can be done by carefully wrapping the trees in protective material. However, it's not always possible to accurately predict a drop in temperature, so sometimes the only option is to wait until next year. Don't be too upset, though, as this fruitless year will be a rest for your tree. During this time, it will be able to recharge and focus its energy on itself rather than on the fruit, which is also important.

Lack of pollinators

Pollinators play a vital role in the fruiting cycle. These can be both cultivated and wild, including bees, flies, butterflies, bumblebees, and others. However, humans often harm these insects by using pesticides, destroying their wintering sites, digging up the soil in the fall, and burning fallen leaves and last year's grass. In the spring, the few individuals that survive the winter are unable to pollinate the abundantly blooming plants.

Solution to the problemIt's important to choose tree treatments that don't harm pollinators. These substances are called selective insecticides.

Wrong variety

The lack of fruit may be due to the region where you grow your apple trees. Many beginning gardeners make the mistake of buying varieties that aren't localized.

Solution to the problem: It is important to purchase seedlings of varieties suitable for your area.

Nitrogen fertilizers

It's quite possible that the lack of blooms or the shedding of ovaries in apple trees is due to an excess of nitrogen fertilizer, which gardeners generously feed their orchard trees. Excess nitrogen can stimulate the growth of foliage and stems, but it also reduces the formation of flower buds and the development of ovaries.

Solution to the problemIt is recommended to use balanced fertilizers that contain not only nitrogen but also other essential elements, such as phosphorus and potassium. The characteristics of the specific apple tree variety and its care recommendations should also be considered. To restore the tree after nitrogen overload, fertilize with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.

Trimming

Several times a season, it's necessary to prune old, damaged branches, lightening the tree's crown. If this isn't done, the tree will devote all its energy to developing foliage, shedding fruit buds.

Solution to the problemPrune the tree. This will ensure a bountiful harvest for the next flowering season.

Plant age

Another problem may be that the tree is old.

Solution to the problemYou can try rejuvenating the tree. To do this, you should prune it, removing old and excess branches. Moderate nitrogen fertilization will also restore the apple tree's strength. So, in a couple of seasons, you can expect new fruit. If this doesn't help, you'll have to replace the tree with a new sapling.

Features of the variety

Some apple tree varieties bear fruit every other year. So, when choosing a seedling, it's important to thoroughly familiarize yourself with all the characteristics of the variety.

There are many problems associated with apple tree fruiting, and to avoid them, you should learn about the variety you're growing and remember to fertilize and prune. It's also important to closely monitor the overall health of the tree.