Fruit Drop


Don’t despair if citrus or stone fruit trees drop tiny lemons, peaches and nectarines this month. This is Mother Nature’s natural pruning that rids the tree of over abundance and focuses its energy on fewer fruit. The result is a larger and more flavorful crop. If you would like an even smaller crop, pick off baby fruit where there are multiples, leaving just one to continue growing. Space peaches and nectarines 4-6 inches apart to increase fruit size and prevent limb breakage. Clean up the fallen fruit to keep pests and animals away. One caution: While fruit drop occurs naturally, a dramatic loss of immature fruit could be the result of water stress. Be sure fruit trees receive several deep waterings this month and next and don’t allow them to dry out for extended periods.