When and How to Harvest Apples and Pears – Tips from Our Horticultural Expert

Late summer into early autumn is a rewarding time in the garden — especially if you’ve got fruit trees. According to our on-site horticultural expert, Ben, now’s the perfect time to keep a close eye on your apple and pear crops to make sure you pick them at just the right moment. 

Spotting When Your Fruit is Ready 

• Check the colour – Apples and pears should have their full, rich colouring (this varies by variety, so compare with pictures of your type). 

• The twist test – Cup the fruit in your hand and give it a gentle twist. If it comes away easily with the stalk intact, it’s ready. If it resists, give it more time. 

• Falling fruit – A few windfalls are normal; if lots are dropping, it’s time to harvest before the rest follow. 

Fresh red apples and green pears ready for harvest.

The Wasp Factor – Friend or Foe? 

Windfalls and overripe fruit are a magnet for wasps. That can be a mixed blessing: 

Pros: 

• Wasps are valuable pollinators earlier in the year. 

• They help control garden pests by feeding them to their larvae. 

• They’ll naturally ‘tidy up’ fallen fruit by eating it. 

Cons: 

• Concentrated numbers around rotting fruit can make the garden feel hostile, especially for children or pets. 

• Wasps can damage fruit still on the tree, leaving brown, fermenting patches. 

• The smell of fermenting fruit can also attract other unwanted visitors like flies. 

Ben’s advice: If you want to keep wasp numbers down near outdoor seating areas, clear fallen fruit regularly — ideally every day during peak drop. If you’re happy to share a corner of the garden with wildlife, leaving some windfalls in a low-traffic area can benefit biodiversity. 

Harvest windfall apples regularly.

Catching Your Crop – Preventing Bruises 

If you’re not always around to harvest daily, there are simple ways to keep falling fruit from bruising on hard ground: 

• Harvest nets: Fine mesh or bird netting stretched loosely beneath the tree can cushion the fall. 

• Ground sheets or tarpaulins: Lay soft fabric or a thick tarpaulin under the tree during peak drop. 

• Fruit picking poles: Extendable tools with a small basket let you pluck high fruit before it drops. 

• Raised picking trays: Lightweight mesh or wooden frames can catch fruit from lower branches. 

Whichever method you choose, check daily — even cushioned fruit will deteriorate quickly if left in damp conditions. 

Catching your crop.

Picking Without Bruising 

Always lift and twist — never pull. Tugging the fruit downwards can damage both the fruit and next year’s growth buds. 

Storing Your Harvest 

• Apples: Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. Avoid stacking directly — use slatted crates or trays lined with newspaper. 

• Pears: Often picked slightly under-ripe; let them finish ripening indoors at room temperature. 

• Tip: Keep varieties separate and remove any bruised fruit straight away to prevent rot from spreading. 

Enjoying the Rewards 

Whether it’s a crumble, chutney, or simply sliced fresh, there’s nothing quite like homegrown fruit. If your trees are particularly productive, share the surplus with friends, neighbours, or local community groups. 

What’s Next in the Garden? 

Apple and pear season is just the start of the autumn harvest. In the coming weeks, you’ll want to keep an eye on: 

• Plums and damsons – many varieties are ready in late August and September. 

• Late-season berries – raspberries and blackberries can still be picked into early autumn. 

• Vegetable patch staples – pumpkins, squash, and root vegetables will soon be ready for lifting and storing. 

We’ll be sharing more seasonal tips soon so you can make the most of your garden right through autumn. 

Need help keeping your fruit trees and garden in top condition? Our landscaping and horticulture teams can advise on pruning, feeding, and seasonal care to keep your plants productive year after year. 

📞 Contact Wilkinsons Landscapes to learn more about our garden maintenance services.