have i done the wrong thing?

purchased and planted three apple trees, three years ago.the first year they flowered but no fruit. last year they gave an abundance of fruit. this year they flowered, but as regards to fruit, i can count on my hands the number of fruit they are going to yield.
the strong winds/gales we had on feb/march i decided to put in stronger supports,as they where being rather battered with the winds.i put in 2x2 stakes for better support.
the question i am asking myself,(HAVE I DISTURBED THE ROOTS WITH PUTTING
IN NEW POSTS????? putting the trees back?????. music

 

Doubt it Music, My Fruit Tree's have had 2 new posts in this month, and there fine..

 

hi youngdaisylee .thank you for your reply.puts me at ease a bit. music.

 

Hi Music

It's quite common for apple trees to alternate heavy cropping years with light cropping years. A sort of a "rest period", if you like. Some types do it more than others.

It's important that fruit trees are well supported in their early years so you've done the right thing. Make sure they have plenty of water too.

 

thank you flinty. puts my mind at rest. music

 

I think you're lucky to be getting much fruit off them at this stage anyway. I believe most fruit trees don't start to produce a good crop until they are five years old.

 

Next year, if there are loads of fruits setting, you can try rubbing off quite a few of the blossoms, to ensure you don't get too many fruits.

I also have 3 year old trees, a couple of which have done the same thing as yours. We'll have to wait and see I guess....good luck with it...

 

Here is a tip to get your apple trees cropping evenly every year.
As they finish flowering next year, pinch off the flowers on every other spur. Do it every year and you will get steady crops every year. By the way, you will also get bigger apples so you will not lose much interms of crop weight/