How to prune dwarf apple trees? Pruning techniques and precautions

When to prune dwarf apple trees

Dwarf apple trees need to be pruned multiple times during their growth period, preferably in spring. This can regulate the relationship between vegetative growth and reproductive growth, reduce nutrient consumption, ensure normal growth, and make full use of light, produce fruit early, and increase yield.

How to prune dwarf apple trees

1. Fixed pole management

If it is a newly planted densely planted dwarf apple tree, the seedlings are a little weak and must be fixed to a pole in the first year. A pole of 80 cm to 1 meter is more appropriate.

2. Bud preservation and bud cutting management

Try to keep the buds of the dwarf apple tree in the current year. The second and third buds can be wiped off, or the grown buds can be twisted off. If there is a lack of buds in the area, the bud carving method can be used.

3. Branch management

After the branches of the dwarf apple tree grow out, you can soften them by holding them, pinching off the top and twisting them according to their length. Generally, when the branches grow to 30 cm, you can first soften them by holding them, and then when the branches grow to about 50 cm, you can pinch off the top and twist them. In autumn, you can turn the branches down and fix them.

4. Management during the peak fruiting period

For branches in the late fruit-bearing period, you can use new branches to replace old branches. Pull the branches down and replace them with new branches behind them. Generally, the method of thinning out branches and letting them grow long is adopted. Taking advantage of the characteristics of dwarf fruit trees, they should be updated in time during pruning management.