Apple trees can be pruned in the springtime. Pruning helps balance the tree’s vigor and health, as well as encourages the best possible production of fruit. When done properly, pruning in the spring can reap great rewards. There are several key points that must be kept in mind, though, before any pruning is done.
Firstly, timing is key when it comes to pruning an apple tree in the spring. It’s important to wait until bud break, which is when we begin to see the growth of small, pointed buds on the tree. Because dormant pruning cuts off growth, the timing should be after buds appear but before any of the leaves begin to open.
Secondly, you should also ensure that the cutting instruments are sharp, clean, and sterilized. Pruning shears, loppers, and saws should all be used properly and not shared between people. This ensures fewer problems with spreadable fungal or bacterial diseases that could affect the health of the tree.
Thirdly, it’s also important to consider how severe the needed pruning will be. If the pruning is only for a few branches, avoid cutting too close to the bark or through living tissue. If more extensive pruning is needed, such as removing an entire limb, always cut back to a junction of at least two healthy branches. If possible, make sure to remove each whole branch at the trunk, rather than topping the tree.
Fourthly, when deciding where to prune, be sure to choose branches that grow downwards. Upright shoots don’t produce as much fruit and are often concentrated heavily with smaller spots of fruit. Cutting them back helps to encourage the growth of branches that are more outward, which allows better light penetration and fruit production.
Fifthly, if there is any dead wood on the tree, be sure to remove it. Dead wood will not produce fruit and can be a source of disease and decay. Any dead wood that is still attached to the tree should be pruned back to the nearest living wood.
Lastly, prune any other stray or misplaced branches that are left over. This encourages the development of a healthy, productive tree and limits the spread of any diseases or pests that may come from untrimmed branches.
Apple Tree Pruning: Rejuvenation Pruning
If the apple tree is planted in spring, it should not be pruned until at least the second year. Rejuvenation pruning is a technique which can be used if the tree is in decline, or if it hasn’t seen any pruning in a while. The technique consists of severe pruning of a weak tree which causes the crown of the tree to develop away from the centre. This process will provide more light penetration and better development of fruit.
If a severely overgrown apple tree is in decline due to age, prune the tree carefully. Begin by removing any dead and diseased wood first, then remove any overly long and thin branches that are shading other parts of the tree. Thirdly, next remove water sprouts and sucker growth. Lastly, remove branches that are growing close to each other, as this will help get the light down to the lower portions of the tree.
The whole process should be done by an experienced arborist and specialist who understands pruning and apple tree development. Rejuvenation pruning should be done in early spring and should take several years of pruning to complete.
Apple Tree Pruning: Summer Pruning
Summer pruning is a lesser known and less hardy form of pruning that can also be used on apple trees. It is not recommended for the pruning of older, mature apple trees, or if the tree has a weak structure. Summer pruning is best used on young and newly transplanted trees.
Summer pruning is done in late summer, usually between the months of August and early September, depending on the region. Its purpose is to reduce and shape the tree, and allow more light penetration as well as reduce the production of excess fruit. It is done with the same pruning shears, loppers, and saws that are used for winter pruning.
When pruning, aim to remove 1/3 of the topmost height of the tree. This will encourage outward growth and the production of larger, heavier fruit. In addition, aim to remove newly growing branches that are growing inwards, and keep only the outwardly growing branches. Always be sure to avoid cutting too close to the bark or through living tissues.
Lastly, if thinning or pruning is done to reduce excess fruit production, consider girdling when thinning the stretch of bark between two major branches. This will limit the fruit production between those two branches and limit the stress on the branch beyond the girdled area. Girdling should only be done by an arborist who is experienced in this technique.
Apple Tree Pruning: Winter Pruning
Winter pruning is the most common type of pruning for apple trees, as it is done when the tree is dormant, and done primarily to reduce the vigor of the tree. It is best done with pruning shears, loppers, and saws – especially large branches – and should be done before the swelling buds appear.
Firstly, prune any dead and diseased wood, removing it back to the nearest living branch. Secondly, remove any errant shoots and waterspouts. Thirdly, if there are crossing branches present, prune the weaker branch away from the tree and thin out any congested areas with lots of branches.
Fourthly, if the tree is planted in a densely packed area, thin the branches out so that the branches are aired and do not produce too many fruits. Fifthly, reduce the vegetative vigor of the tree by removing 1/3 to 1/2 of the branches. Lastly, if the top of the tree is too tall, prune the branches off at the junction of two other healthy sides.
Apple Tree Pruning: Crown Raising
Crown raising is another form of pruning that can be used on apple trees. Its purpose is to open up the lower portion of the tree, and make more room for air and light. This can be done by removing the lower branches and allowing more of the trunk to be visible. This is helpful for letting more light into the lower part of the tree, and reducing the chance of disease.
When doing a crown raising, it is important to use the 3-2-1 method, which involves removing unwanted branches in sequence of 3-2-1, where 3 is the lower branch, 2 is the branch above it, and 1 is the branch just above the 2 as well. This helps keep a consistent shape to the tree, and also prevents weak points from forming on the trunk.
Crown raising can be done any time during the dormant season, or even in the summertime if the tree is young. If the tree is in decline due to age, crown raising will be more difficult as the tree is weak and brittle. Be sure to consult a tree specialist before attempting to do any crown raising, as improper pruning can decrease the amount of light, air, and fruit production that the tree can produce.
Apple Tree Pruning: Special Pruning Techniques
Special pruning techniques can be used to further the development of the apple tree. One of these techniques is called pollarding, which involves pruning back the branches to a central point, which then promotes the development of upright branches and reduces the vigor of the tree. This is best done on younger trees, but can also be used on elderly ones. another technique is called ‘hedge layering’, which produces a hedge-like effect but with large cuts and severance of some large branches. This is a beneficial technique to help reshape and reduce the vigor of the tree.
Another technique is called pollarding and de-vigourisation. Pollarding involves pruning the branches back to a central point and reducing their vigour, while de-vigourisation involves cutting back excessive shoots and branches. Both of these techniques can be beneficial for reducing the growth of the tree and allowing more light to reach other parts of the tree. It can also help with the development of upright fruiting branches and reducing the amount of fruit production on certain portions of the tree.
Lastly, tree pruning can also involve the use of knots and ties. These are methods used to help control the direction in which the branches grow. By tying down a thinner branch to a stronger one, the thinner branch will produce stronger growth and in the right direction. It can also help reduce the amount of pruning needed, and can be beneficial for creating a more uniform shape to the tree.
