Spring pruning of apple trees is a worthwhile measure that improves their health and productivity. However, you should take a few things into account to avoid frost damage and excessive pest infestation. In this article we explain how and why to prune the apple tree in spring and what techniques to use.
Pruning apple trees in spring: the right techniques and tools
Pruning in spring is crucial for yield and crown renewal. Too many shoots and large branches lead to shading in the inner part of the crown, which can affect flowering and weaken growth. By following the tips below, you can successfully and safely prune your apple trees in spring and ensure a bountiful and delicious harvest.
When is the best time for this?
Like most fruit trees, apple trees can be pruned between February and March. You should avoid frosty temperatures and wet weather. Pruning too early can make the tree more susceptible to frost damage and lead to trunk diseases. However, cutting too late is not recommended as this can affect photosynthesis. The ideal time is when the weather is clear with an air temperature of at least -5 °C.
What tools do you need?
For spring pruning you will need some basic tools.
- Garden shears for small branches
- Pruning shears for medium-sized branches
- Tree saw for larger branches
- Sturdy ladder to reach the higher branches
Make sure all tools are sharpened and disinfected. Otherwise, you risk damaging the tree and infecting the interfaces.
Pruning apple trees in spring: instructions
Spring is the best time to shape your apple tree and form a symmetrical crown. When the buds have already opened and the flowers and leaves begin to sprout, it is much easier to identify which branches did not survive the winter.
First, consider the size of your tree. Young trees need pruning to get them into shape, while pruning on older trees is used to promote fruit formation. If buds are already present, you should be careful not to accidentally injure them. When cutting across a bud, place the scissors on the opposite side, at a 45° angle from the base to the tip of the shoot.
Remove any diseased, damaged or dead branches as they weaken the tree and are open to pests and pestsare susceptible to diseases. If the entire branch has died, it should be removed completely. If only the tip is damaged, it should be cut off directly above the exit of a side branch. Healthy branches that cross each other, are too close together or grow into the inside of the tree crown should also be removed. Light them out to promote air circulation. Vertically growing branches should be cut at an angle so that rainwater does not stand up and promote the formation of fungi.
Then cut off any new shoots that grow from the base of the trunk as they are not fruit-bearing. Shorten the central shoot and leading branches so that they do not protrude above the crown.
So-called water shoots should also be eliminated because they deprive the fruit-bearing branches of energy and nutrients. You can recognize these by the lighter bark. They are usually located inside the crown and grow steeply upwards. Always cut them right at the base.
Keep any short shoots that have produced flowers and fruit in recent years. The so-called fruit wood is usually found on old branches. But also pay attention to the vegetative shoots, which are richly leafy and ensure photosynthesis. These should also remain on the tree. So your main goal is to balance the vegetative and generative shoots so that you can enjoy large and tasty fruits in summer.
Caring for young apple trees
The first pruning of young trees is carried out immediately after planting. The central shoot is shortened to 80 to 90 cm. The side branches should be shortened to 1/4 to 1/3 by making the upper ones shorter than the lower ones. If there are no side shoots yet, do this in the spring of the following year.
Rejuvenation pruning of older trees
If you have an old apple tree that is barely producing new growth and is bearing small fruit, you should do a radical pruning to encourage new growth and fruiting. Please note, however, that this will no longer be permitted from the beginning of March out of consideration for nesting birds.
Remove all diseased and damaged branches, especially those without new growth. You should also expect that you will receive less income in the next two years.
What should you pay attention to when pruning apple trees?
When pruning apple trees in spring, there are a few precautionary measures you should take to ensure that you can do it successfully.
- Never prune fruit trees in cold, wet or windy weather to avoid frost damage, pest infestations and disease.
- Be careful not to cut too much or too little so as not to affect growth and fruiting. As a general rule, you should remove about 10% of the crown each year from old and weak trees and up to 20% from strong and young ones.
- Think about the right time and avoid pruning too early or too late, which can disrupt the tree's dormant period.
Also interesting:What to do against aphids on apple trees: control methods and home remedies for pests in the garden
