How to Harvest Fruit Trees

Harvest time is the happy by-product of proper maintenance and care of fruit trees. It is extremely important to know when to harvest and which fruit is ripe. Many fruits like citrus and cherries, when harvested too early, do not ripen after they are picked from the tree; therefore, their taste is less optimal and sweet than ripened fruit. Harvest fruit trees at the best time and most practical fashion.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladder
• Bucket

1. Monitor your fruit tree around its harvesting time. Fruit trees differ in harvesting times for various areas of the world. Apples ripen between early July to November. Bananas are ready in late summer months. Avocados ripen in the fall in California and in the summer or winter when grown in Florida.

2. Check to see if your fruit is ripe. Apples will turn yellow green on the bottom and should easily twist off the stem. Apricots should be soft. Cherries will be firm. Nectarines slightly yield when you apply pressure; plums turn from green to dark purplish red. When in doubt, ask your local nursery.

3. Use a ladder to get to the top of the tree. Be sure that the ladder does not rub against the limbs or bark of the tree. Have someone spot you on the ladder if you're worried about the footing.

4. Grasp the fruit from the bottom and gently lift. Detach the fruit from where the stem joins the spur. Refrain from yanking the fruit off, because it will cause harm to the tree.

5. Pick all of the fruit off the the tree. You should separate the fruit as you go on piles of healthy and unhealthy. Any fruit that is discolored, diseased or has become infected with insects should not be eaten.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid waiting for avocados to ripe on the tree, because the tree produces chemicals to prevent their fruit from ripening.
• Pick up all fallen fruit, because they will attract wildlife and pests that can cause harm to the tree. Wash your hands before picking fruit to avoid contaminating your produce.

References

• Harvesting Fruit
• Picking Fruit