Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting fruit from a fruit tree. The tree is enclosed by a tubular shroud having an open top and bottom. A fruit catcher is suspended beneath the shroud, and a rotatably powered propeller horizontally mounted in the shroud above the tree draws air entering at the bottom upwardly through the shroud and out the top. The updraft of air shakes the fruit from the branches and reduces the falling velocity of the fruit in order to prevent the fruit from being bruised upon striking a fruit catcher positioned beneath the branches of the tree. Associated with the catcher is a conveyor for transporting the fruit from beneath the shroud to a point adjacent the harvester.