June 20, 2025, 8:07 am | Read time: 2 minutes
The apple tree is laden with fruit, and the pear tree is bursting with produce—a reason to celebrate, right? However, what many amateur gardeners don’t realize is that too much fruit on a tree can do more harm than good in the long run. So, if you’re puzzled by puny fruits during harvest or a lack of yield the following year, it’s time to get acquainted with a simple yet effective care technique—fruit thinning.
Not every fruit tree needs thinning, but for many, it’s advisable. myHOMEBOOK spoke with Sebastian Mühlemann from the Bauer Nursery to understand why fruit thinning is beneficial and what should be considered.
What Does Fruit Thinning Mean for a Tree?
“Fruit thinning involves selectively removing some of the young fruits from a fruit tree,” explains Mühlemann. This might sound counterintuitive at first, as it reduces future yield. However, it offers more advantages, the expert notes: “The remaining fruits grow larger and healthier because they have more nutrients and water available.”
Additionally, this can prevent the tree from showing what’s known as alternation the following year–bearing well only every other year. It also improves the tree’s stability, as overloaded branches are less likely to break. Moreover, better light and air exposure for the fruits reduces disease risks and enhances flavor. It’s similar to pinching out vegetable plants so the plant can focus its energy on the remaining fruits.
When Should Thinning Be Done?
The optimal time for thinning depends on the bloom time, the expert explains. “The right time for thinning is about two to six weeks after blooming, when the fruits are about the size of cherries–usually from late May to mid-June. This is especially recommended for apple, pear, peach, and plum trees.” He advises leaving the largest and healthiest fruits on the tree and removing the smaller or damaged ones.
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What to Consider When Thinning Fruit
Mühlemann recommends using smaller tools for the task: “It’s best done by hand or with small scissors–carefully and cleanly.” Thoroughly cleaned and especially sharp tools are essential for such work. In the worst case, improper thinning can harm the tree and invite bacteria and pests. A rule of thumb for apple trees is: “One fruit needs 24 leaves. If you leave one fruit every four inches, they will grow nicely large,” the expert explains.