How to Prune an Apple Tree
Pruning your apple tree promotes growth and stimulates fruit production. Pruning also clears away parts of the tree that may have been damaged by wind, disease or insects.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Prune mature apple trees during the winter, before the new spring growth begins. January and February are considered a good time for pruning.
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2
Visualize how the healthy apple tree should grow. It should have one central, upright trunk with limbs growing outward, in a perpendicular direction. Keep this pattern in mind as you consider which branches should be removed.
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3
Use a very sharp cutting tool to minimize damage to the tree and its bark. Remove limbs that show evidence of disease or insect infestation.
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4
Make sure there is plenty of vertical space between limbs so sunlight can reach all leaves and fruit. Leave about two feet of vertical space between limbs. Remove branches that are crowding too close to those above or below. The bottom limbs of the tree should be about 24 or 36 inches above ground level.
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5
Train limbs to grow outward rather than clipping them off the tree if you find healthy limbs that are spaced well but are growing straight upward. You can do this by placing a wedge at the point where the limb branches from the tree or by placing a weight carefully about halfway along the branch.
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6
Remove all wood that you have trimmed from your apple tree. Burn it, if possible, to eliminate any disease or insect larvae that may have infected it.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Pruning a tree during winter months will encourage summer growth. If the tree seems to be growing too large for the area, prune it during summer months. You should prune the tree annually.
