Apple trees are all too common and are a headache for many homeowners due to their abundance and easy occupation of many backyards. There are, however, a few ways to manage and stop apple trees from growing on your property. One option is to prune or cut down the tree, but this should be done by an experienced arborist.
When pruning the apple tree, one needs to be aware of where the limbs should be cut. Removing the flowering buds on top of the tree is essential, as they are the source of apple production. Cut larger branches back to stubs and remove any smaller side shoots, as this ensures that the tree will not be able to regenerate any new growth. This will stop any further apple production and return the tree to a more manageable size.
Using herbicides is another method to control the growth of apple trees. Care should be taken when applying any chemical, as they can kill any other plants they come into contact with and, if ingested, can be harmful to humans and animals. There are several types of herbicide available, and one should be chosen carefully. Some herbicides are specific to plants, while others can kill almost any vegetation.
Mulching is a third method that can be used to manicure apple trees. This requires a thick layer of mulch, preferably consisting of organic materials such as old leaves, grass clippings, or compost. This layer slows down the growth of the apple tree and eventually stops its production. This method does not stop the apple tree from growing its leaves, however, and is only effective for controlling its size.
All three methods of controlling apple tree growth, when implemented correctly and with discipline, can be effective. Pruning should be done every few years, while mulching and herbicide treatments may need to be repeated regularly. Homeowners should be patient with these methods, as they take time to make a difference.
Pruning an Apple Tree
Pruning an apple tree is the most common way to stop it from growing and producing apples. An experienced arborist should be consulted prior to pruning in order to ensure that the process is done correctly. When cut correctly, the flowering buds on top of the tree are removed, and larger branches should be cut back to stubs. Removing any smaller side shoots prevents the apple tree from regenerating new growth. This eventually limits the amount of apples that the tree can produce and returns the tree to a more manageable size.
Using Herbicides
Herbicides can also be used to manage apple tree growth. As with any chemical, caution should be taken when applying them as they can kill any other vegetation they come into contact with, and can be harmful to humans and animals if ingested. It is important to choose the right type of herbicide for the job and to apply it correctly for maximum effectiveness.
Mulching
Mulching is another effective way to stop apple tree growth. A thick layer of mulch, preferably made of organic matter such as leaves, grass clippings or compost, can be applied to the tree’s trunks, limbs and branches. This will slow down the growth of the tree, without stopping it from producing leaves. While this method is effective for controlling the size of the apple tree, it still may not stop it from producing apples altogether.
Consistency is Key
All of the methods discussed here are effective when they are used in combination with each other and with consistency. Pruning should be done every few years, while mulching and herbicide treatments may need to be repeated regularly. It is important to be patient with these methods as they take time to make a difference.
Fungicide Treatment
Fungicide treatments can also be effective at controlling apple tree growth. Most fungicides can be applied using a watering can but, like herbicides, care must be taken when applying as they can kill other vegetation and be harmful to humans and animals. Fungicides should be applied to the branches, twigs and buds of the apple tree for the product to be effective at controlling growth.
Encouraging Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators of apple trees can be done to reduce the growth of apple trees naturally. Many birds, reptiles, and insects feed on apple blooms and small fruits, which can help to reduce the amount of apples produced. One of the most effective natural predators of apple trees are cicadas, whose larvae feed on the bark and roots of the tree, and can severely limit its growth.
Chemical Foliar Treatments
Chemical foliar treatments such as growth retardants or defoliants can be applied to apple trees to limit their growth. These treatments should be applied with caution, as they can affect other vegetation and can ultimately damage the tree if applied incorrectly. Growth retardants can be sprayed onto the tree or trunk to reduce or limit its growth and productivity, while defoliants are used to strip leaves from a tree, after which it usually dies.
