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Reasons Trees Do Not Fruit...
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AGE: many varieties need to be 3-4 years old or even older like Pecans at age 5. Older trees may need feeding and pruning to rejuvenate themselves.

FROST: Late frosts during the blooming time will make a tree not produce any fruit.

POLLINATION: Some varieties require another tree to pollinize. Rains during pollinization can also adversely affect fruit trees.

PRUNING: With improper pruning, all fruit wood could be cut off. There our a number of good booklets out with good pruning advice, ask our staff for help in finding this pruning aids.

CHILLING: Planting the wrong varieties for the climate. All fruit and nut trees need a specific amount of chilling hours before they will produce fruit. Chilling refers to the number of hours, 435 degrees and under, during the dormancy period. The amount varies with each variety and the hours need not be continuous.

LOCATION: Planting in overly windy areas can also cause fruit loss. The amount of chilling hours received by a tree can be affected by how close the tree is planted next to a warm object such as a building.

WATER: Over-watering can cause premature fruit to drop, especially on persimmons. Planting fruit trees in sprinkled lawns is not recommended. Lack of deep watering can also cause fruit to drop. Fall shock or stress can effect next year's fruit.

FERTILIZER: Lack of food at critical times can also adversely affect fruit production.

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FRUIT TREE PLANTING GUIDE
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Remember NEVER let bareroot trees or plants dry out before planting.
Keep roots from freezing as well.

Seven steps to successful planting...

1. Dig a big planting hole so the roots are not crowded, at least 1 1/2 to 2 times the width of the root system but only slightly deeper than the roots.

2. Trim extra long or broken roots. If planting out of a container, slip tree out of the container and be careful not to jar or crack the root ball. Loosen a few roots at the bottom or sides of the ball. Avoid encircling roots.

3. Mix part humus or planting mix with  3 parts soil to put in around the roots. Add some slow release fertilizer to the bottom of the hole.

4. Make sure the bud union is above the ground.

5. Tamp the soil firmly around the tree eliminating all air pockets. Make a wide, shallow basin around the tree to retain water.

6. Water thoroughly for penetration. If the tree is dormant, you should not need to water again until the tree begins to leaf. Too much water during the dormant stage will reduce development and could harm the tree. As long as there is soil (not wet) 2" and more below the surface, the dormant tree should do fine.

7. Prune the top by 1/3 to 1/2. Remove all but 3 or 4 well spaced branches. Suggestion: The lower branches, the easier it is to reach the tree at harvest time. Do not be afraid to cut the tree short.