Knowledgebase
Chemical Fruit Thinning for Home Apple Tree #869991
Asked May 24, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Tiffany,
Here is some information;
https://extension.illinois.edu/fruit-trees/removing-fruit#:~:text=Apples%20and%20Crabapples&text=Early%20in%20the%20blooming%20period,all%20the%20blossoms%20and%20leaves.https://cpg.treefruit.wsu.edu/bioregulator-sprays/apple-chemical-thinning/
I'm not finding any information about using this for thinning. Mu guess is that it wouldn't work if it wasn't used in the recommended strength. Have you tries pruning a third of your branches off ( especially those at the top). Here is a link to let you know you can take the height down;
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-prune-neglected-apple-trees
The only other option is to try and spray parts of the tree and not the whole thing . I don't know how well that would work . I would severely thin the tree and try to "lower" it .
Good luck,
Sally Granath
St. Louis County MG