How to safely harvest high-hanging fruit without risking a dangerous fall from a ladder
In short: Reaching the highest branches of a fruit tree often feels like a gamble between your balance and your harvest. Instead of risking a ladder, you can use a telescopic fruit picker to extend your reach by over two meters, allowing you to gather high-up apples safely from the ground.
Harvesting fruit at the peak of ripeness requires more than just reaching the right branch; it demands an understanding of timing and technique. While windfalls—fruit that drops naturally—can signal that a tree is ready for harvest, this is not a universal rule, especially for pears. For most top fruits like apples and pears, you should assess ripeness through a combination of touch, visual cues, and taste. Apples should feel firm and sweet, while plums should be soft to the touch. Because fruit trees often ripen unevenly, you may need to harvest in stages, sometimes returning to the same tree three times to ensure every piece is picked at its optimum state.
When you finally reach those high branches, the method of detachment is critical to the fruit's longevity. For apples and pears, hold the fruit in your palm and gently twist it upward; it should release from the spur with the stalk intact. Avoid using excessive finger pressure, which can bruise the flesh. If you are harvesting delicate stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, or apricots, test for softness near the stalk. If the fruit feels soft and parts from the tree with ease, it is ready. For more fragile crops like goji berries or mulberries, shaking the tree over a sheet is a more effective strategy than hand-picking.
Environmental conditions and pests play a significant role in your success. Always choose a dry day for harvesting, as moisture encourages fungal diseases like brown rot and grey mould, which can spoil your crop in storage. Be vigilant for wasps, which often feed in the crevices of figs, pears, and apples, and take care to remove any damaged or rotting fruit immediately to protect the health of the tree. By using the right tools and timing, you can ensure your harvest remains sweet, palatable, and ready for storage or immediate enjoyment.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Pick Fruit high up on Trees
- Also: Fruit: harvesting | RHS Advice
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