Pruning an apple tree that has grown too tall is an important task that requires skilled and careful attention. Knowing the correct pruning technique and best time of year for pruning will help ensure the health and productivity of the tree for years to come. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pruning an apple tree that has gotten too large.
1. Start by assessing the tree’s health. Check for any signs of disease or pest infestations and decide whether it’s feasible to prune it. Consider the size of the tree and the amount of pruning that will be necessary.
2. Gather the proper tools and protective clothing such as gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Sometimes pruning apple trees requires ladders and sometimes the use of power tools and chainsaws.
3. Begin pruning at the top of the tree first. Cut back any branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged, removing them completely. This will also help open up the canopy to sunlight and better airflow.
4. Continue your pruning down the trunk and branches. Make each cut with a clean, smooth line as this will reduce the chances of disease and rot. There should be an angle at the point of pruning and the final cut should be just above a side bud of the previous season’s growth.
5. When pruning the apple tree you should try to maintain the shape of the crown. By cutting back the branches to the desired levels you can help promote the desired shape of the tree.
6. As you continue pruning, take into account the size of the tree and the direction in which each branch is growing. You can prune off side branches or limbs that are crossing or growing inward, to ensure a good clearance from the ground.
7.Finally, prune off any water sprouts or suckers, this is the young, vigorous shoots which will douse the tree of its energy and prevents it from putting that energy into fruit production.
Pruning the Laterals of an Apple Tree
Now that the top of the tree is in good shape, it’s time to prune the laterals. It’s important to shape the side branches of the tree in order to ensure it is the most productive and fruitful. To prune the laterals you must decide how many branches will be kept per level. As a general rule, keeping two or three branches at each level is standard.
When pruning laterals, it’s important to check that the branches are evenly spaced across the tree. To encourage an even spread of branches, start at the bottom of the tree and prune the laterals that are growing towards the center of the tree. This will prevent them from going in the middle too much and competing with each other.
Steps two and three should be repeated throughout the perimeter of the tree. By doing this, you can ensure that all of the branches will have even amounts of sunlight exposure and air flow. This will help ensure that the tree is as productive and fruitful over time.
It is also important to cut back some of the new growth as this will help promote fruit production. Any shoots that are growing backwards should also be removed. Prune each branch until it is in the desired shape and size. When the lateral branches are in good shape, the top of the tree should also be kept in check to ensure it is not too tall.
It’s also important to remember to reduce the length of the laterals. This can be done by using a pole pruner, a type of pruning shear, to cut the branch back to the desired length. This will also help promote a good balance between the lateral branches.
Shaping the Crown of the Tree
The last step in pruning an apple tree that is too tall is to shape the crown. This is done by removing some of the excess growth at the top of the tree. This will help open up the canopy and allow better airflow and sunlight penetration which will help promote better fruit growth.
To start shaping the crown, take a step back and assess the overall shape of the tree. If it is flat, or unbalanced, then wait until the season is over and the branches have filled in and then consider pruning to reshape the crown. Removing too much foliage before the season ends can hinder fruit production.
If the crown is unbalanced then begin pruning out the longest branches on the sides of the tree. The aim is to create a symmetrical crown, with the sides being equal in height. However, if the tree is naturally unbalanced then prune out branches that are excessively long and untidy on one side only and leave the other side of the tree to grow for next season.
When pruning to shape the crown, make sure to make clean, even cuts and remove dead or diseased wood. Prune out only the wood or branches that are too long and maintain a nice shape. Do not remove too much foliage as this will reduce fruit production.
Pruning the Roots of the Apple Tree
It’s also important to keep the roots of the apple tree in good health. When caring for the roots, it’s important to aerate the soil periodically. This can be done by digging shallow trenches around the tree, or using a compost fork. This will allow air and water to reach the roots and help enhance their growth.
Root pruning is another important activity to consider. By regularly pruning away any unwanted or dead roots, this helps promote healthy, vigorous roots that can better support the tree. It is best to prune the apple tree’s roots when the soil is slightly damp, as this will make it easier to cut through the roots. Begin by making a circle around the tree to identify the area that needs to be pruned away. Then, beginning from the outside, start cutting away any dead or unwanted roots, working your way inwards.
When pruning the roots, it’s important to take care not to sever the main roots. This can cause significant damage to the tree, so it’s important to plan carefully and take your time when pruning.
Finally, after pruning, it’s important to replenish the soil around the tree with nutrient-rich compost or fertilizer. This will help nourish the roots as they grow back, as well as improving the overall health of the tree.
Regular Care of the Apple Tree After Pruning
After pruning, it’s important to provide regular and consistent care for the tree. This includes watering and fertilizing regularly, as well as mulching around the base of the tree. Watering and fertilizing will help replenish the nutrients in the soil and ensure that the tree has the best possible growing conditions.
It is also important to regularly inspect the tree for pests and diseases. Signs of disease or pests can include wilting leaves, discoloration, and spots on the bark or leaves. If any of these signs are seen, it’s important to take action right away to prevent the spread of disease.
Finally, regular trimming of the apple tree is important. This should be done in the late fall or early winter, when the tree is dormant. Trimming helps remove any dead or diseased branches and lets in adequate air and light.
In Conclusion
Pruning an apple tree that is too tall is an important task that should be done with skill and patience. Taking the time to assess the tree’s condition, locate the correct tools, and prune the tree with care is the best way to ensure a healthy and productive tree for years to come.
