When to Prune Apple Trees in Illinois

Apple trees require annual pruning.

To produce lots of good quality fruit, apple trees require regular maintenance, including annual pruning. In the state of Illinois, pruning works best when done in late winter or early spring.

Timing

Pruning of apple trees needs to take place while the tree is in the dormant stage. Gardeners in Illinois should start pruning their apple trees in February.

New Trees

As soon as you plant a new apple tree, it needs to be pruned to just 24 to 30 inches in height. The severe pruning allows the tree and its roots to come back into balance. For trees just 1 or 2 years of age, the focus should be on pruning everything except for four or five main branches and one central, upright leader.

Mature Trees

February or March are good months to prune trees of dead or undesirable branches. You'll also want to prune the tips of the branches of mature trees. Plan to prune new growth by 25 percent each year. Remove upright branches and trim any branches that reach higher than the tree's central leader.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Spring Care of Apple Trees
• University of Illinois Extension: Apples for the Home Orchard

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension: Small Fruit Crops for the Backyard: Introduction