How Hard Can You Prune Established Apple Trees?

Apple blossoms appear first, before the leaves.

Apple trees should be pruned annually in the early spring. Old, neglected trees may need the removal of many large limbs. Tackle severe pruning such as this over the course of three to four years.

Plan Ahead

Remove one-quarter to one-third of tree, at most, each year. Visualize the eventual desired tree shape and remove two or three large limbs each year until the tree is in the desired form. Consider the pruning of neglected apple trees to be a long-term project.

Shape the Tree

Most gardeners under-prune for fear of damaging their apple tree. As long as you leave two branches for every one you remove, the tree should be fine. Remove dead and diseased wood first, then begin shaping the tree.

Avoid Topping

Avoid "topping" the tree, or shearing the tree off at a desired height. Topping is not desirable for apple trees. Instead, remove the tallest vertical branches to reduce the height of the tree and thin the interior of the tree.

References

• Ohio State University; Pruning Mature Apples and Pears; Pete Lane
• Ohio State University Extension; Growing Apples in the Home Orchard; Gary Gao

Resources

• New Mexico State University; Pruning the Home Orchard; Esteban Herrera; May 2004