First Fruits

[356]

We planted ten apples, two pears and two plum trees when we moved to the farm in 2017. That first year we had to replace two apples and both plums due to deer and drought. This year we had our first three pears (delicious) and first bushel of apples.

I wish I had known of this forum back then, as we simply went to the farm store and bought trees. I didn't know the impact the cedars on our neighbors property 30' from the trees would have, nor did I understand what to look for in a good tree. That said, I've learned a lot from this forum and I am enjoying some great apples and pears this year.

 

[SwampCat]

Did the coons not get in your apple trees - or do you have something preventing them from doing it?

 

[356]

I've not had as much coon or deer issues as expected....that, or I am oblivious to the fruit carnage they cause. After a recent wind storm, several apples were on the ground. The next morning they were gone. The trees are in our "front yard" by the road, so the location may help a little. In year three we had a few apples that were eaten by deer (on camera).

 

[SwampCat]

My deer dont eat apples or pears on the ground. A herd of deer is around these low hanging apples everyday. Pears on the ground and they dont eat them

 

[Turkey Creek]

You must have a lot of food available to them. I have never seen pears last on the ground if there are deer around. I would not suspect that they would be that heavy into the apples yet. They haven't started carb loading for Winter.

 

[SwampCat]

You must have a lot of food available to them. I have never seen pears last on the ground if there are deer around. I would not suspect that they would be that heavy into the apples yet. They haven't started carb loading for Winter.

I dont know if our deer carb load for the winter. It is always said in the south, late summer, hot and dry is the stress period. We are mid 50’s high and mid 30’s low on average in mid winter. Probably perfect temps for deer. A lot of these deer have never seen an apple or a pear. Never have got to taste one off my 50 trees.

 

[Turkey Creek]

I would still guess they switch from high protein food sources to carb based food sources as Summer ends. Granted it isnt necessarily a requirement as it is for northern deer, but I would guess it is a hard wired trait.