Apple trees are a great, low-cost gardening option for those who are looking to grow their own fresh fruit. With a wide assortment of different varieties available, there are apple trees that will thrive in any yard or space in many different climates. There are even fruit-bearing bonsai trees for those living in apartments or other small spaces. However, there is one struggle that many apple growers face, regardless of their location or the type of apple that they’re growing. What's the best way to clean up apples that fall to the ground?

Sure, you could take the time to pick them all up by hand, but that would take quite a bit of time and could be problematic for those with back injuries. You could use a shovel, but you'll likely end up damaging the fruit beyond being edible. Instead, why not invest in a tool that will take the hard labor out of the process? Let's take a look at the best fallen apple tools to get your yard looking pristine.

Our Favorite Fallen Apple Tools in 2023

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Garden Weasel large gatherer
Editor's Choice

For apples up to 3" in diameter

Garden Weasel's large rolling gatherer works for fruits and nuts between 1.5 inches and 3 inches in diameter. It's built well, it's easy to empty, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros
  • Sturdy steel construction
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Works with apples between 1.5" and 3" in diameter
Cons
  • Larger apples will require a larger harvester

Garden Weasel's rolling collector works for so much more than just nuts. The cage's spokes are spaced to allow for pickup of fruits and other objects between 1.5 inches and 3 inches in diameter, which is ideal for most backyard apple trees. The cage holds up to 1.5 gallons of product, and everything can be quickly dumped out with the handy release.

The rolling cage is mounted on a steel pole and measures about four feet in total. This prevents bending over and makes for a quick pickup of your fallen apples. Garden Weasel offers a lifetime warranty, and the price really isn't bad either.

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Lejieyin large rolling harvester
Best Value

Affordable option for apples up to 3"

Lejieyin's large rolling harvester is an affordable alternative to our top pick. It has a telescoping stainless steel handle, and it works with objects between one inch and three inches in diameter.

Pros
  • Affordable pricing
  • Telescoping steel handle
  • Wide pickup
Cons
  • Emptying is a manual process

If you're looking to spend less money, the Lejieyin rolling harvester comes in at about $35 and can handle apples and other fruits between one inch and three inches in diameter. It doesn't have the quick-empty option like our top pick, but it's still an easy process achieved by pulling the cage's spokes apart.

The telescoping stainless steel pole measures about 1.5 feet when retracted, with up to 3.5 feet when extended. That's about four feet in total with the cage included. This is a straightforward and affordable tool for smaller backyard harvests.

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Holt's large Nut Wizard
Premium Pick

For apples up to 4" in diameter

Holt's large Nut Wizard is the right choice for those with trees producing oversized apples. It works for fruit up to four inches in diameter, and it comes with a four-foot wooden pole and emptying tool.

Pros
  • Works great for larger apples
  • Comes with an emptying tool
  • Made in the US with a one-year warranty
Cons
  • Relatively expensive

Holt's large Nut Wizard harvester comes at an elevated price compared to most of our other picks, but it's the right choice for larger apples. It can handle fruit between 1.25 inches and 4 inches in diameter, and it has a capacity of just less than two gallons. The large Nut Wizard most commonly comes with a four-foot wooden handle, though there are longer metal options at some retailers.

For emptying, the Nut Wizard comes with a special tool that attaches to the top of a bucket. You run the harvester over the top and it releases your fruit without really needing to bend over. The Nut Wizard is made in the US and comes with a one-year warranty.

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Zozen rolling harvester
Best for Crabapples

For apples up to 2.5" in diameter

Zozen's rolling harvester is perfect for crabapples, and it has a handy spout on the side for easy emptying into the included bag. The telescoping aluminum handle makes it easy for pretty much anyone to use.

Pros
  • Easy emptying with side spout
  • Comes with a bag for collection
  • Telescoping aluminum handle
Cons
  • Won't work for larger apples

Zozen's rolling harvester is a great option for smaller crabapples, as it can collect fruits and nuts up to 2.5 inches in diameter. The cage has a 1.5-gallon capacity and also comes with an extra bag with a four-gallon capacity. The telescoping aluminum handle can extend out to about four feet, with the cage adding another half foot or so.

Zozen sets itself apart with a handy dumping mechanism that prevents any bending over. The side of the cage has a "spout" for easy pouring of your harvest into the included bag. If you're indeed dealing with smaller apples, this should be a perfect choice.

Are Fallen Apples Safe to Eat?

Apples that have dropped from the ground can be safe to eat, but there are a few factors to consider before you pick up and bite into the next apple that you see. The first, and most obvious, factor is whether the apple is showing signs of rot or bug infestation. Some of these apples will go bad while still hanging from the tree, leading to them dropping. Others will attract bugs or start the decomposition process after sitting on the ground.

During apple season, when you’re in the process of harvesting the fruit, you may accidentally knock some apples down. These are more likely to be in a good condition than those that have been sitting on the ground for any length of time. If an apple has just started to attract bugs, you may still be able to salvage the apple if you’re comfortable eating it. You will need to cut out the damaged area, being sure to remove any part of the apple that has been exposed. This is relatively common in organic apples where no pesticides are used.

Another important factor to consider is what the apple may have come in contact with while on the ground. If you have dogs, this might be a factor that you’re already considering. For those that don’t have outdoor pets, there is a chance that your apple has come in contact with animal waste from wild animals in the area. If this isn’t addressed, it can make you very sick.

Apples on a tree in the sunshine
Image credits: Tom Swinnen via Pexels

Before eating an apple that has fallen on the ground, it should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any surface germs. This involves a little more effort than just wiping the apple on your shirt or running it under water. Research shows that one of the best ways to clean your fruits and vegetables is to soak them in a mixture of baking soda and water before wiping them clean.

While you can eat an apple that has fallen from the tree, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Unless you’ve just witnessed the apple falling from the tree, it’s safer to stick with the apples that are still on your tree for your next snack.

Apples that are left on the ground around your trees will either rot, eventually acting as a fertilizer, or they will serve as food for wild animals in the area. This can be seen as both a positive and negative for fruit growers. The additional nutrients being added back to the soil will be beneficial for the health of the fruit trees in the future. However, these apples will attract wildlife and bugs, and these pests often don’t stick to just feasting on the apples that are laying on the ground.

Many larger orchards have found uses for their fallen apples. While apples are a cheaper fruit to grow, fallen apples that are tossed aside are lost revenue. Instead, these apples are often collected and turned into products like apple cider. This allows them to effectively use the apples and make a profit without having to worry about the fact that they may be blemished or undesirable for sale.

Getting the Best Fallen Apple Harvester for You

If you plan on using your apples after they've left the tree, a fallen apple tool like the ones listed here may be your best choice. These tools are able to pick up the apples quickly with as little damage to the fruit as possible. We also have a collection of great apple picking tools that can help you harvest before the fruit has fallen.

The first step that you need to take when selecting the best fallen apple tool for your yard is to take note of the specific fruit that you’re looking to clean up and the size of this fruit. A tool that is designed for smaller fruit will roll right over your apples without being able to pick them up. Meanwhile, a tool that is designed for larger fruit will allow your apples to fall right back out again, if it manages to pick them up.

From there, consider the different features that are available, and which would make your job easier and more comfortable. The combination of the comfort grip handle and the quick release cage spreader on the Garden Weasel large gatherer has earned this tool the best overall spot. It's ideal for apples between 1.5 inches and 3 inches in diameter, it's built strong, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

If you're just getting into the joys of cultivating apple trees, our guide with tips on growing apples at home can be a huge help.

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Garden Weasel large gatherer
Editor's Choice

The Garden Weasel large gatherer is comfortable to use, works with apples up to three inches in diameter, and comes with a quick-empty tool. It's priced competitively and comes with a lifetime warranty.