Apple flowers require cross pollination from another apple tree for fruit set to occur. Bees are the primary pollinators of apple trees. Growing fruits in the home orchard takes work and patience.
So, when trees fail to bear, despite all the gardener’s work, it’s very disappointing. If your harvest is looking less than ideal this year, there are several reasons trees fail to set fruit and produce a good crop. Temperatures below freezing won’t harm fully dormant plants or their flower buds.
Buds gradually lose winter hardiness as they develop and can be damaged even before visible flowers are present. Below are the spring temperatures, and the corresponding level of damage to expect, for the most common tree fruits grown in Nebraska. The first pink or white bud stage occurs when color can first be seen in the flower buds.
• Apple, first pink bud stage, 10% kill at 28 degrees, 90% kill at 24 degrees • Tart cherry, first pink bud stage, 10% kill at 28 degrees, 90% kill at 24 degrees • Sweet cherry, first white bud stage, 10% kill at 27 degrees, 90% kill at 24 degrees • European plum, first white bud stage, 10% kill at 26 degrees, 90% kill at 22 degrees • Pear, first white bud stage, 10% kill at 25 degrees, 90% kill at 19 degrees • Peach, first pink bud stage, 10% kill at 25 degrees, 90% kill at 15 degrees To avoid damage from normal spring frosts, select late blooming fruit tree cultivars with winter hardiness to Zone 5. Locating trees on north facing slopes, which warm up slower in spring, can also help delay flower bud development and minimize spring frost damage. This tractor shakes orange trees as part of annual orange pick-up campaign in Valencia, Spain.
It seems counterintuitive, but fruit trees which are too vigorous put more energy into growing branches and leaves and less into flower buds. The two main reasons trees would be overly vigorous are over-fertilization and over-pruning. If fruit trees are surrounded by turfgrass which is fertilized several times per year, then they are picking up that fertilizer, too.
Fruit trees should be fertilized based on either a soil test or an assessment of annual shoot growth. Established, bearing trees should produce 12 to 18 inches of shoot growth per year. Annual growth on young, nonbearing trees can range from 18 to 30 inches.
Adjust yearly spring fertilization to maintain growth within these ranges. If overfertilization isn’t the problem, then heavy pruning might be the culprit. Pruning always stimulates new growth, and heavy pruning can cause an excess of vegetative growth as the expense of flower production.
For more information, visit Pruning Fruit Trees, https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/ec1233/pruning-fruit-trees-ec1233 .
All flowers must be pollinated for fruit to set. Apples and pears require cross pollination; peaches, nectarines, tart cherries and most plums are self-fruitful. Sweet cherries must be matched with other cultivars which pollinate each other well.
When choosing fruit tree cultivars to plant, research appropriate pollinating cultivars, too. For more information, visit Fruit Cultivars for Home Plantings, University of Missouri, https://extension.missouri.
edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/Pub/pdf/agguides/hort/g06005.pdf Age: Trees must reach maturity before fruit production begins. Generally, the expected age for fruit bearing is as follows.
Trees grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks may begin bearing fruits 1 to 2 years earlier than standard trees. • Apple and apricot, 2 to 5 years • Tart cherry, 3 to 5 years • Peach, 2 to 4 years • Pear, 4 to 6 years • Sweet cherry, 4 to 7 years • Plum, 3 to 6 years Alternate year bearing: Some fruit trees, especially apples and pears, are susceptible to heavy production one year, followed by few fruits the following year. Fruit thinning during years of heavy production is necessary to prevent the development of a biennial bearing cycle.
Branch angles: The large scaffold branches of fruit trees should be developed through selection and pruning, so they grow at wide angles with the main trunk. Ideally, these large branches should form a 60-degree angle, but no more than near 90 degrees. Branch angle affects sunlight penetration into the canopy and hormone development necessary for fruit production.
Very upright growing branches produce more foliage than flower buds. Refer to the publication listed above -- under the heavy pruning section -- for guidelines on pruning and branch adjustments. Fluctuating winter temperatures: Unusually warm temperatures in January or February, followed by a sudden return to normal or below normal temperatures may also result in flower bud damage.
Temperatures in the single digits or below zero can cause a significant level of flower death. Affected trees will not bloom well the following spring. When your fruit trees aren't producing well, one or more of these issues may be causing the problem.
Determining the problems in your home orchard and adjusting your management to address the issues will pay off with bountiful harvests in years to come. This Vintage Heights ranch needs to been seen in person to appreciate the attention to detail and care that has been given. The main level boast an open concept, 11' ceilings, large kitchen/pantry area, HUGE center island with high-end finish work.
The dining/living area opens to the covered deck with private views. The primary bedroom is sure to impress, with custom tile shower and large walk-in closet. The main level also offers a mudroom/laundry area, 2 other large bedrooms and a full bath area.
The walkout basement is built for entertaining...
including a huge family room 33x23, wet bar, 2 large bedrooms, another full bath area and tons of storage. This property sits on a large fenced in lot, underground sprinklers, oversized 3 stall garage. The list goes on an on.
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call to schedule a private showing. View More Welcome to this lovely brick ranch nestled on over 1⁄4 acre lot in Pointe East Estates with 3,201 sq ft of elegant living space. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by a spacious living room that flows seamlessly into the updated kitchen, equipped with SS appliances, granite counters, breakfast bar, & both formal & informal dining areas.
Amazing primary suite offering a cozy sitting area, walk-in closet, & luxurious 3⁄4 bath boasting a stunning tile shower, heated floors, & dual sinks. Two additional bedrooms, full bath, half bath, & convenient laundry with counter space & cabinetry, complete the main level. Head to the lower level & discover the spacious family room, vast rec area, two additional bedrooms, 3⁄4 bath, & storage galore! Enjoy the beautiful fully fenced yard with mature trees, incredible deck, & expanded patio.
Don't forget the tandem oversized 3-car garage. Conveniently located near schools, parks, trails, dining, & shopping. View More This stunning 2-story home is a beautiful modern interpretation of the classic American Foursquare style.
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The primary suite offers a fun twist with its accent wall, while the primary bath has great functionality w/ two separate vanities & a large walk in closet. Everyone will LOVE the size of the garage, along with its epoxy floor & finished walls. The walkout basement is cozy and functional with a bar that features a microwave, refrigerator, and disposal! Outside you'll be happy to see a fully fenced yard and plenty of space on and below the deck for relaxing and hosting.
View More Welcome to this truly incredible 1.5 story custom home with over an acre of space. Imagine sunsets every evening off the nearly 1,000 sq ft composite deck! As you enter this home, the living room-high ceilings, natural light, fireplace with porcelain tile to the ceiling is breathtaking.
The kitchen is sure to impress with all-custom cabinetry, two large quartz islands & matching quartz backsplash, two subzero refrigerators, a 6-burner gas range, & window that opens to a bar on the deck! The butler's pantry has immense storage & space. The main floor features the primary suite with custom built-ins, walk-in closet, bath with soaking tub & porcelain tile shower. The main floor has two bedrooms & a bathroom.
The 2nd floor has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, & a large hidden gem-A loft area/reading/playroom with built-in bunk beds. The walk-out basement has a stunning office, bar & dining area, living area, custom play room, large gym, 2 bedrooms, & 2 baths. Outside offers a fire pit & pizza oven.
View More Tracy Lenhoff, M: 402-890-3928, [email protected] , https://www.nebraskarealty.
com - Attention to detail is what this QUALITY builder is all about! Vaulted ceilings w/jaw dropping coffered modern style and colors! *Knockdown textured ceilings *Walk-in closets & pantry *Soft close cabinets *Jack & Jill bath AND guest hall bath *Massive master bath, dual vanity, built in dresser *Gas oven w/electrical outlet option *9 FT tall basement w/wet bar & huge family room *Specialized Stamped Concrete! *4-stall garage w/utility sink *Nordic Class 4 Shingles *Chamfer Bead Molded Corners on each wall & window seals (Enhanced safety-NO SHARP EDGES!!) *Rigid HVAC ductwork *covered composite deck w/fan, lights & stairs leading to back yard *Dusk to dawn outdoor lighting *ETC COME SEE THIS AMAZING BUILD IN PERSON!!! :) View More Tracy Lenhoff, M: 402-890-3928, [email protected] , https://www.nebraskarealty.
com - TOP OF THE LINE-ATTENTION TO DETAIL-GUARANTEED NOT TO DISAPPOINT!!!Vaulted ceilings w/jaw dropping coffered modern style and colors! *Knockdown textured ceilings *Walk-in closets & pantry *Soft close cabinets *Jack & Jill bath AND guest hall bath *Massive master bath, dual vanity, built in dresser *Gas oven w/electrical outlet option *Under cabinet lighting *9 FT tall walk-out basement w/wet bar & huge family room *Specialized Stamped Concrete in both front entry & back! *4-stall garage w/utility sink *Nordic Class 4 Shingles *Chamfer Bead Molded Corners on each wall & window seals (Enhanced safety-NO SHARP EDGES!!) *Rigid HVAC ductwork *covered composite deck w/fan, lights & stairs leading to back yard *Dusk to dawn outdoor lighting *ETC COME SEE THIS AMAZING BUILD IN PERSON!!! :) View More This beautiful energy efficient daylight ranch style home sits on a large corner lot. The home has a open concept with just over 3,000 finished sq ft. The main floor includes a living room, hearth room with a fire place, and a dining area which are all open to the kitchen.
The kitchen has granite countertops, underover cabinet lighting, walk-in pantry, and another extra closet for more storage. The main floor also includes the laundry room, master suite, and another bedroom and bathroom. The fully finished basement has a wet bar, office, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, large store room, and a large rec room for entertaining.
Some other features are a 12x16 covered deck, sprinkler system, over-sized 4 car garage that includes a wash sink, water softener, and storm doors. View More Open House Sunday 1-2:30pm!!! FALL PARADE HOME! Golf Course backing townhouse!!! Getting finishing touches this month. Welcoming you with 2500+ square feet of top-end finishes where you will find three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large corner kitchen with walk-in pantry, a gas fireplace, composite decking with aluminum railing and much more.
Zero entry from garage, front door and even the master walk-in shower! Kitchen features include gas range, under-cabinet lighting, quartz countertops, tiled backsplash and soft closing doors/drawers. Master suite provides zero-entry master shower with attached seat, dual sink vanity with tall linen cabinet and direct access to master closet and main floor laundry. Featured in the upstairs is LVP and carpet flooring, stoned fireplace with large windows for tons of natural light.
Exterior has stone and fiber cement board siding coverings with attached two-stall garage. All finishes are designer selected with quality and function in mind. View More Beautiful custom built Preserve ranch available now! This home is absolutely gorgeous and has been extremely well maintained.
The open concept 1918 sq ft main level offers space, light and masterful finish work with amazing cherry cabinets and granite countertops in the kitchen, and hard maple floors throughout. The main floor features 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and an office space. The primary bedroom includes an attached bathroom suite with magnificent tile shower and separate tub.
The primary closet features custom built shelving and access to the main floor laundry room. The basement includes two more bedrooms, a full bathroom, another office space, and large amounts of storage. The covered back patio is anchored by the exquisite professionally landscaped yard.
Don't miss your chance to tour a home as elegant as this one. Call today to schedule a private showing! View More Sarah Browning is an extension educator with Nebraska Extension. To ask a question or reach her, call 402-441-7180 or write to her at sarah.
[email protected] or 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln, NE 68528. Learn more about Nebraska Extension at Extension.
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