8 Fruit Trees You Should Harvest Sooner Rather Than Later, According to Experts Don't wait! These delicious fruits will ripen even after they're off the tree. Close Credit: Getty / Olga Relenko When it comes to harvesting, fruit usually falls into one of two categories: the type that continues to ripen off the tree, and the type that doesn’t. In the former category, it's best to harvest early. This will prevent the fruit from bruising when it falls, according to Lisa Tadewalt, an ISA-certified arborist, and the co-founder of Urban Forest Pro. Picking produce early also prevents wildlife like squirrels and raccoons from ruining your harvests. For the following fruit trees, it's essential to be proactive about harvesting; doing so will ensure the most abundant, delicious result. How to Grow a Key Lime Tree Indoors or Outside for Abundant Harvests Year-Round 01 of 08 Apples Credit: Getty / Katharina13 Most apple varieties ripen in shades of red, yellow, russet, or brown. “However, the color of the apple doesn't always indicate that the fruit is fully ripe, so be sure to check the color of the fruit’s skin—disregarding any red areas—and taste a sample before harvesting,” says Caroline Ervin, landscape designer and owner of The Georgetown Garden Shop. “Apple skin should be thin, and the fruit crisp and juicy if it's ready.” 02 of 08 American Persimmons Teresa Otto / Getty Images. Persimmons are quite time sensitive. “If you leave the fruit on, [they] will quickly become overripe and turn into mush with very little flavor,” says Tammy Sons, founder and CEO at TN Nursery. 03 of 08 Asian Pears Credit: Nahhan / Getty Images Pears should be picked early, rather than being left on the tree. “Asian pears are ready to pick and eat as soon as their skin is no longer green and has changed to shades of brown, russet, or gold,” says Ervin. “The fruit will still be firm when picked and will detach easily from the tree. Refrigerate immediately after harvest to retain firmness.” 04 of 08 Cherries Credit: Getty Images There are many reasons why fruits like cherries require harvesting at the first sign of ripeness. “The biggest reason [is] the softness of the fruit and the high requirement of direct and indirect sun to ripen properly,” says Aris Curtis, kitchen garden manager at Ensō Village. “Another reason is that pests and birds love to pick at this soft fruit, as it ripens quickly.” How to Grow a Cherry Tree for Delicious Fruit and Beautiful Blooms Every Year 05 of 08 European Pears Credit: Tara Moore / Getty Images European pears should be picked when they are a yellowish-green color, before they're fully ripe. “The pears will be firm and will detach easily when tilted upwards,” Ervin says. “Refrigerate [them] to complete ripening, and for long-term storage.” 06 of 08 Pineapple Guava Credit: andreswd / Getty Images Pineapple guava is a unique fruit tree that's planted throughout California, and has a very short shelf life in terms of ripening. “It's quick to drop its fruit when ripe,” says Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping. “Be sure to keep an eye on your guava before most of the fruit drops to the ground and becomes accessible to more insects.” 07 of 08 Figs Credit: Jasenka Arbanas / GETTY IMAGES Figs are ripe when the fruit is purple, brown, or yellow and shows no signs of green. “[They] should be left to ripen on the tree, and they can continue to ripen after a frost—but not a deep freeze,” Ervin says. “When figs are ripe, the neck of the fruit will soften and bend, and the fruit will hang downward. Leave the stem attached to the figs when harvested to delay spoilage.” How to Prune a Fig Tree for an Abundant Harvest, According to Horticulturists 08 of 08 Peaches Credit: Getty Images Peaches are ready to pick when there's no green on the skin. “It's recommended to pick peaches early, and let the fruit ripen inside—either refrigerated or at room temperature,” Ervin says. “Depending on the variety, a ready-to-pick peach may appear any shade between yellow and red." Fruit Trees that Can Hold Their Fruit Longer Citrus trees tend to take their time when ripening, says Dilmore, and they don't drop their fruit to the ground as quickly as other trees. “They also aren't that much of a wildlife magnet compared to stone fruits, like apples or peaches,” he adds. Best Practices Ready to harvest? Here are some of Ervin's do's and don'ts: Do be gentle: Hold the fruit in your hand, and gently twist to a horizontal position—but don't pull down on the fruit.Don't shake: Fallen fruit causes bruising, so you never want to shake a tree or its branches.Do be cool: For best storage potential, cool the fruit immediately after harvest.Don't store bruised fruit: While it’s acceptable to eat bruised fruit, separate it from the unblemished fruit, and never store it. Explore more: Garden