Why Does My Dwarf Apple Have No Apples?

Dwarf apple trees are perfect for gardeners who don't have land to support large trees. Only growing about 10 feet tall, they offer quality fruit in a smaller space. But dwarf trees can still have big problems and not baring fruit is one of the biggest. There are a few reasons a dwarf apple tree might not bare fruit and education is always the key to a successful crop.

Age and Variety

Most fruit trees won't bare fruit when they are young. Dwarf trees fruit faster than larger varieties, but it could still take anywhere from two to three years before you see fruit on your tree. According to Virginia Tech, even trees purchased at baring age won't bare fruit right after planting; they may even take longer than younger trees. Some varieties only bear fruit every other year as well so double check to see if your tree is the biannually baring type.

Pruning

Pruning is absolutely essential to healthy, fruit baring trees. Too much or too little pruning or even the right amount at the wrong time can prevent a tree from baring fruit. Pruning should always be done yearly, at the end of the dormant season, before spring growth begins. A tree that isn't pruned may put too much energy into growing new shoots and may not grow any fruit. Too much growth can also shade out fruit baring branches. An overpruned tree may not have any fruit-baring branches left after it's pruned. You can always check with your local university extension for pruning tips.

Pollination

Apple trees, as well as many other fruit trees, require cross-pollination to produce fruit. If you only have one tree, you may have poor quality fruit or no fruit at all. Plant at least three varieties with overlapping bloom dates for the best chance of success, say experts at Virgina Tech. Golden Delicious is a commonly planted pollination variety. And keep in mind that bees are the top pollinators of the fruit world. If you've used pesticides on your trees, you may have killed your pollinators along with your pests.

Pests and Disease

Pests and disease are usually the easiest culprits to spot when a fruit tree isn't producing. Weed and dead leaf removal are key to preventing scab and other fungal infections. Fungus thrives in decaying and moist debris. Apple scab is the most common disease affecting apple trees. Sprays are commercially available to combat apple scab, but use them with caution as some contain pesticides and may harm bees. The roundheaded apple tree borer, plum curculio, codling moth and the apple maggot are some of the most common problem insects. If pesticides must be used the University of Maine recommends waiting until 95 percent of blossoms have fallen off the tree in order to protect pollinators.

References

• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Tree Fruit in the Home Garden; Rongcai Yuan; 2009
• Ohio State University Extension: Growing Apples in the Home Orchard; Gary Gao
• University of Main Extension: Apple Pest Publications - Home Apple Orchard Pest Management Overview
• University of Missouri Extension: Pollinating Fruit Crops; Michele R. Warmund; 2002