How to Trim Apple Trees

Trimming your apple trees must be done every year in order to keep producing healthy, large apples. Read on to learn how to trim apple trees.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pruning shears

1. Wait until the fall to late winter to trim your trees.

2. Cut off all suckers and small branches. Cut small branches that grow straight up from larger ones.

3. If you want to limit tree growth, crop off the top center of the apple tree.

4. If there are places where the tree has grown too thick, prune back some of the branches in that area. This leaves room for apples to grow.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not trim more than 15 percent of last year's growth when you prune.