While the sight of a tree full of apples might be tempting for you to pick, apple growers say even better tastes can come to those who wait depending on the variety. Orchards across Door and Kewaunee counties are open now with both apples that are pre-picked or still on the tree for you to pick yourself. Many trees are full of apples to the point that the fruit itself might be a little smaller than in other years because of the vast number of them hanging on the branches. Before you pick a whole bag full of apples, Hillside Apples owner Bill Roethle says to slow down and talk to the orchard owner for an idea of which ones of the dozens of different varieties are right for the picking when you visit.

While most apples are ready to be picked between mid-September to mid-October, the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association says there are some varieties like Granny Smith, Yellow Bellflower, and Winesap that are not typically ready until late October. Roethle says the later the apples are ready, the more likely it is that you will be able to store them.