So you’ve come across an old apple tree and want to prune it for more fruit production! Here are step by step tips to help you get the best results!
Why Prune an Apple Tree
Apple trees, and all trees really, need to be pruned every year to maintain their shape, remove any diseased or damaged areas and to spark new growth from the tree. that’s right when you trim an apple tree it actually jump starts the tree into growing more! It a survival trait mother nature has to keep the tree alive so if it would get damaged from a storm or an animal or anything really, it would still remains alive and thriving. What you are trying to do is purposely remove select branches to overall benefit the tree and create more fruit
Step by Step Pruning an Apple Tree
Step One
You want to start by looking at the shape and form of the tree that you are working with. From there remove any damaged or diseased limbs. That’s the easy part, now to the hard part.
Step Two
Next you want to remove any branches that are crossing other branches and rubbing each other. prolonged rubbing of the branches can create scars and open sores on the trees where diseases can get into it.
Step three
You want to prune the tree into an umbrella like shape removing any branches that are growing back in towards the center of the tree, this creates more air flow to the center of the tree, which also helps in reducing the chances of disease.
Step Four
then the final thing you want to remove is any branches that are growing completely vertical, think about it, how is an apple going to grow straight up in the air?
Helpful Tidbits
And that’s it! all said and done you should roughly eliminate 20-40% of the tree with the initial pruning and then only 10-20% each year after. The best time of year to prune your tree is in the winter when the tree is dormant. Another way to help keep your apple tree safe is to have a fence around them until the tree is able to fend for itself against animals like deer.
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