Should i 'thin out' new apples on a small apple tree?

[JimmyJames]

Hi everyone,
I have not posted a lot as I dont have my allotment yet, although I have moved from 15th to 5th on the waiting list, so the system is working!  I do enjoy reading a lot of the posts though, and whetting my appetite!  Its a great community you have here.

I planted an apple tree in my friends garden last year.  It went in a bit late, and only produced 1 apple as a result, but this year it has many many tiny apples that are growing in 'bunches'.

I'm sure I have read somewhere that you should remove most of the apples that are in a 'clump', leaving just one or two, so the tree can put all of its energy into producing a few good apples, rather than producing a large number of small ones.

What I would like to know is:

1.  Is this correct, and should I thin the apples out?

2.  When is the best time to do this?

3.  Should I leave 1 apple per 'bunch', or would 2 or 3 be advisable?

Forgive me if I am talking nonsense!  I hate it when I read some advice and then fail to find it again.  I begin to doubt that I ever read it!

If it's of any use I can provide a bit of info on the tree.  Its a Cox's Orange Pippin (self fertile im told), on M9 rootstock, and trained against a wall into something resembling a fan  :)

Many thanks in advance

[JimmyJames]

[cleo]

Mostly apples thin themselves-the `June drop` which isn`t always in June!

After that take another view.

And good luck for the allotment

[tim]

As Stephan says. Except when they don't!

If not, then do as you say. Be ruthless, even though it hurts!!

Leave at least a couple of inches between each fruit.

[Barnowl]

Similar problem, but also lots of new shoots going up vertically from the "arms" of teh espalier. Should I prune the shoots?

[JimmyJames]

Ahaa, thanks.  The June drop eh?

I think there might have been a little of this happening already, which I guess would make sense.  The tree doing its own natural selection.
It's funny that now you mention it, I do recall the odd small fruit dropping off the tree. 
Aint nature great?  :D

I will keep an eye on the tree as Spring turns into summer, and make sure there are not too many fruits still attached.

Thanks again,
JJ

[saddad]

Yes Barnowl but check when so that they make fruiting spurs not another flush off new wood!
;D

[Barnowl]

I'lll  give my gurus a call for timing etc (fruit farmers on both sides of the family).

[Robert_Brenchley]

Given that it's such a young tree, i should prune down to half a dozen and give it a chance. It might drop  the surplus, but it might put all its energy into fruit, and leave none for growing.

[tim]

That makes sense, Robert.

My first prune is July.

[gordonsveg]

 :'( :(
  Dont thinknwe will need a june drop in devon, the wind over the last few days has done it for the apples and pears.I only have small fruit trees so don`t want to lose too much.