# Fruit Drop in Trees Is Not a Cause for Concern Monty Don explains that fruit drop due to drought is a natural process. - **Source:** [Latest from Ideal Home in News](https://brifing.si/source/02eb50e1-30c6-4c23-9764-bbec266c1242) - **Published:** 2026-08-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cd678a58-237c-4fab-9e33-b1a588d687c7 ## Why Are Fruits Dropping? Monty Don explained that fruit trees are shedding their fruits this summer due to drought. Trees drop fruits to conserve water and energy, a phenomenon particularly noticeable in apple trees. Gardeners emphasize that this is a self-preservation mechanism for the trees. ## A Natural Process Fruit trees typically shed a small amount of fruit in early summer, known as the 'June Drop.' This year, the amount of fruit drop has increased due to drought. Monty Don reassured that this is not alarming, as trees are protecting themselves from drought conditions. ## Observations from Gardeners Natalie Derham-Weston, head gardener at Lainston House, noted that fruit drop started earlier this year. Fruits that are usually harvested in September were picked four times this summer. Derham-Weston explained that trees are experiencing water stress and shedding fruit to protect themselves. ## How to Support Your Trees Gardeners recommend deep and slow watering to support fruit trees during drought. Mulching around the root zone helps retain moisture. Avoiding fertilization and heavy pruning is crucial, as these practices can increase stress and affect next year's growth. ## What to Do with Dropped Fruits Dropped fruits can be used for composting. Cutting fruits into smaller pieces speeds up the composting process. Undamaged fruits can also be left out to feed wildlife. Apples can be used for cooking or frozen for later use. ## Recommendations for Next Year Richard Barker, a horticulture expert, suggests thinning out smaller fruits early in the season for next year. This allows the remaining fruits to grow larger and stronger, helping trees use their water and energy resources more efficiently. ## Positive Aspects of Fruit Drop Fruit drop is seen as a way for trees to cope with drought. This process helps protect the trees' growth for the following year. Gardeners highlight that this is an important step for maintaining tree health. ## Conclusion and Recommendations Monty Don and gardeners emphasize that fruit drop is not a cause for concern. Trees are protecting themselves from drought. Gardeners recommend deep watering and mulching to support trees. Dropped fruits can be repurposed for composting or feeding wildlife. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.idealhome.co.uk/garden/garden-advice/monty-don-fallen-fruit-apple-tree-advice — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._