06/11/2026
As our fruit trees begin to develop their little fruit, it’s the perfect time to thin. While it can feel heartbreaking to sacrifice any of the harvest, it is essential to improving fruit quality and preventing pests/disease.
The spot between two fruits where they touch is a pest’s favorite place to be. As the fruits develop this area bruises and becomes soft, allowing all kinds of bugs, bacteria, and fungus access to the fruit
The common fruits that benefit from thinning are ones that grow in groupings or close together such as apples, pears, plums, peaches and nectarines. It is recommended to have one fruit per bundle to avoid any touching fruit, selecting for the largest and healthiest to remain on the tree, as shown on the slides.
