Pruning Apple Tree

[ordbrae]

Despite carefully pruning my apple tree there is only three blooms likely to produce four apples. I shall be obliged if anyone can tell me how I can increase the yield.

[Chipchopper]

I'm assuming its a small, young tree that you have and I'm also thinking that a possible cause might be due to a lack of other apple trees in your location for cross pollination. if that is the case, then it may be worth planting more.
Prune the tree when it is inactive/dormant, during November to early march at the latest.
get to know the fruiting buds from the shoot buds, fruiting buds are the short stubby ones.
I think it will also increase your chances of a good yield by growing plants which attract bees.
Check on the RHS site for some good advice.

[KARL]

All apple trees are known to have years of "rest" from time to time - in our area apple and plum trees appear to be taking a rest this year.

[atalanta]

Threaten it. One year my father got exasperated with his Cox apple tree, which had produced one or two apples every year for ages. He told it - " No apples next year, and you're firewood." The following year the yield was tremendous, so much so that he had to prop up the branches for fear they would break with the weight of apples.