How to prune apple trees and when and how to do it

Apple tree pruning time

Apple trees grow relatively slowly, so it is not easy for them to grow new branches, especially after they bear fruit. Therefore, you need to be careful when pruning them. You must do it after the leaves fall in winter and before they sprout in spring. It is more beneficial for their growth and development to prune them before they completely enter the non-growing stage.

When the apple tree is growing, proper pruning can promote the growth of new branches, reduce excessive consumption of nutrients, and adjust the shape of the plant. During the flowering period, proper pruning can also increase the amount of flowering, which is extremely beneficial for subsequent results.

How to prune an apple tree

1. When pruning apple trees, you need to change the pruning method according to its growth age. If it is a young branch that has just been planted, you can prune it when it is growing vigorously. You need to shorten the long branches to reduce nutrient consumption and promote the growth of the main branches.

2. For some apple trees that have been growing for a long time, it is necessary to prune off the overgrown branches, dead branches, and diseased branches. This will retain more side branches and is also beneficial for adjusting the plant shape. When pruning, some main branches can be pruned by ring cutting.

3. You need to be careful when pruning apple trees. If you want them to grow more and larger fruits, in addition to pruning in winter, you must also thin the fruits in time during the fruiting period, and some of the trees that grow too densely must be picked off, otherwise it will affect the growth of the apple tree.