In article ,
"Ron H" wrote:

OK, I've done the pruning ( last winter) fungus spray, and pesticide spray
and watered well now I think my tree has too many apples. Literally! I mean
there are apples everywhere! What do I need to do to help the tree with this
load? I have heard of people making braces from 2X4s and propping up limbs.

Ron in West Central Wisconsin


Thin the apples. Spread your hand out as wide as you can, thumb to
pinky. Pick every apple between your thumb and pinky. That's the
width you want between baby apples.

My Master Gardener trainer has a PhD in Pomology (fruit trees).
That's what he taught us to do.

Sometimes, even after you thin like crazy, you'll *still* have
a big fruit load on a branch. *Then* you can prop branches up
with poles or 2x4's.

Jan in Alaska
growing apples, cherries & pears in Zone 3
59N, 151W

--
The way to a man's heart is between the fourth and the fifth rib.