Pruning a dwarf apple tree is not as difficult as it may seem, but it can be painstaking work requiring time and patience to get the job done correctly. If done correctly, proper pruning can help improve the health, appearance, and productivity of your dwarf apple tree. Here are simple steps on how to prune a dwarf apple tree.
First and foremost, safety should be your top priority. Wear a pair of heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands, as well as a long-sleeved shirt to keep your arms covered. Find a pair of good-quality pruning shears and sharpen them before you start pruning. For larger branches, a handsaw is more suitable.
Once the tools are ready, you can start pruning your dwarf apple tree. It is best to prune in the late winter before the buds open after the dormant season. Begin by removing any dead or diseased branches to reduce the risk of infection and keep the tree healthy. Cut off any crossing or rubbing branches that could cause an open wound for disease to enter.
Next, you can shape the tree by removing the long, vertical branches that shoot straight up. Make sure to leave the lateral branches that help the tree stay balanced and bear flowers and apples. Shorten these branches if needed so the strawberry tree looks neat and healthy.
The last step is to thin the tree canopy. This will also help improve the amount of sunlight and air circulation gathering inside your tree. Take out some crowded branches and leave just a few thick, healthy ones to keep the tree in its desired shape.
Once you’re done pruning your dwarf apple tree, review your work and adjust the tree’s shape if necessary. It’s also important to monitor the tree regularly over the spring and summer to identify any potential problems and take appropriate measures.
Pest Control
Dwarf apple trees are prone to attack from pests, such as worms and aphids. To keep your trees healthy, it’s important to carry out routine pest control measures throughout the growing season. Start with physical measures like removing affected parts of the tree, applying anti-pest sprays or powders, or simply rubbing infested areas with garlic or tobacco leaves.
In addition, you can use natural control measures to eliminate pests like ladybugs and nematodes, or use appropriate pheromone traps or sprays. Once you detect a pest-related problem, take swift action to get it under control as soon as possible.
It is also essential to monitor your trees’ development on a regular basis and take any necessary corrective steps in timely manner. If a pest infestation is severe, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local agriculture department for additional help.
Fertilizer
Dwarf apple trees need to be adequately fed with balanced fertilizer to keep them healthy and productive. Start with a soil test to measure the available nutrients in your soil. Then use organic fertilizer once a year, preferably during mid-spring to protect the tree’s root system. Make sure to evenly apply the fertilizer around and beyond the dripline of your tree.
Also use foliar fertilizer if needed. This comes in the form of liquid fertilizer or spray applications, which help flush out the chlorophyll and providing an extra boost of nutrients to your tree’s foliage. Spread foliar fertilizer throughout the season, taking into consideration the local weather conditions, soil type, and the action of pests and diseases.
Watering and Mulching
Adequate watering is essential for the good health of your dwarf apple tree. Deep-watering the tree by allowing the water to slowly sink into the soil a few times per week is preferred, but it may not be suitable in regions with low water supply. If that’s the case, use a rain barrel or build a cistern to collect rainwater and use it to irrigate your trees during dry seasons.
In addition to watering, it’s important to mulch your trees to help retain moisture, deter weeds, and prevent diseases and pests. Spread organic materials like wood chips, leaves, or straw on the ground near the base of the tree and make sure to keep the mulch away from the trunk.
Tree Inspections
Last but not least, it’s important to monitor your trees’ health and growth. Perform regular inspections by carefully looking at the tree’s canopy and trunk. Pay attention to any visible wounds, lesions, splits, or discolorations and take timely measures to address them.
It’s also necessary to look out for signs of disease, such as fungus or root rot. If you spot anything suspicious, contact your local agricultural extension office for help. They’ll be able to tell you the suitable corrective actions, or refer you to an arborist for an expert diagnosis.
