Reasons Trees Do Not Fruit
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.