Things You'll Need:
- A fruit tree
- Pruning shears
- Space in your yard for the tree
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Step 1
The first thing to consider is the age of the tree. Your fruit tree will generally start bearing fruit when it is old enough to blossom. There are, however, other factors that may effect the tree's ability to bloom, or fruit, that will be addressed in steps that follow. As a general rule, blossoming time frames for the most common fruit trees are:
* Apple - 2 to 5 years
* Sweet Cherry - 4 to 7 years
* Citrus - 3 to 5 years
* Fig - 2 to 3 years
* Peach - 2 to 4 years
* Pear - 4 to 6 years
* Plum - 3 to 6 years -
Step 2
The next thing to consider is your fruit tree's general health. If there is a fungus or other pest problem with your tree, you need to treat it immediately, or your fruit tree may be permanently barren. A good place to check for proper diagnosis and treatment of fruit tree diseases is the county extension of your state agriculture department.
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Step 3
Climate and weather play a large role in whether and when your fruit tree will bear fruit. Most hardy types of fruit like apple, sour cherry, pear, and plum need a certain amount of cold air to end their dormancy and promote spring growth. On the other hand, trees like figs, bananas and citrus trees do better in a warm climate. Peach trees and sweet cherry trees are sensitive to frosts and freezes as well. If you have a tree that is sensitive to cold weather, you need to protect it during severe frosts and freezes. Their blossoms in the spring can appear normal but if the pistils are damaged, they will not bear fruit. What is important here is that you have the right kind of fruit tree for your climate zone.
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Step 4
Most, but not all, fruit trees need to be pollinated in order to bear fruit. Whether or not your blossoms are pollinated can be affected not only by the availability of pollinators, but also by the weather. Some fruit trees are self-fruitful, which means they are either female or have both male and female anatomy, and can pollinate themselves. Some of those fruit trees are citrus, sour cherries, most apricots, most figs, and European-type plums. Apples, Pears and Sweet Cherry all are self-unfruitful and need a pollinator. Apple trees can pollinate each other and are more likely to produce fruit if they are planted near another apple tree. Most Sweet Cherry trees cannot pollinate each other so they should planted near a Sour Cherry tree. Pear trees should be planted in pairs as well, but Bartlett and Seckel pears will not pollinate each other. In order to encourage bees and butterflies to help your fruit trees in their pollination, plant flowers that attract the butterflies and bees, in close proximity to your fruit trees.
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Step 5
Finally, it is important that your fruit trees get the right amount of sunlight and water. Fruit trees need full sunlight to do their best. Try to make sure they are planted far enough away from shading trees or buildings and ensure that they get as much southern light exposure as possible. A good water and fertilizing regimen is important. Water your fruit trees more thoroughly and less frequently. Do not over fertilize, especially with nitrogen-based fertilizers. You may get great growth at the expense of fruit production. Mulch around the tree to cut down on competition with weeds. Pruning your fruit tree will develop a stronger tree. Once it has started to bear fruit though minimize any pruning.
Comments
godfather25 said
on 7/29/2009 Very good article on helping a fruit tree, to bear fruit.
langleycornwell said
on 7/22/2009 I love fruit trees. My lime tree is setting fruit right now. Thanks for the tips.
edieness said
on 6/24/2009 Excellant and useful article on How to Help a Fruit Tree to Bear Fruit
sonni57 said
on 6/14/2009 Thanks for the good fruit growing tips.
sharshar1975 said
on 6/14/2009 Great article! Very informative. We have some apple and pear trees that do not produce very will. Your tips may save them from my husbands chainsaw. 5*'s