How to Prune Neglected Apple Trees

Overgrown and neglected apple trees may look like they have outlived their purpose, but with proper pruning and care, most can be revived. The process can take up to 5 years for severely overgrown apple trees to return to their original production and to attain optimum appearance. Your efforts will be rewarded with a well-shaped, productive apple tree that will last for years with regular pruning and care.

Things You'll Need

• Saw
• Ladder
• Clippers

Instructions

1. Resist the urge to over-prune on the first year. Pruning too severely may create an abundance of useless growth that may hinder the process. Prune the main trunk of the tree to 16 feet. Remove all dead wood present in the tree. Prune the top third of the tree by cutting back horizontal and hanging branches. Remove any twisted or crossing limbs and thin out new growth to allow light to the center of the tree.

2. Remove long upright shoots that have grown as a result of the first year's pruning in the second year. Check limbs and remove any that are weak or dying. Cut back suckers that emerge around the base of the tree during the summer to discourage regrowth. Allow new growth on lower branches to grow.

3. Prune on the third year by cutting the top to the main trunk back to 14 feet and the highest shoots to 17 feet. Thin new shoots on the upper limbs and remove excessive vertical growth. Trim lower limbs sparingly allowing new growth to form.

4. Cut away about half of the new growth on the upper limbs during the fourth year. Prune away excessive vertical shoots that reach beyond 17 feet. Trim the lower limbs leaving an upright shoot at the end of each limb.

5. Prune sparsely on the fifth year to maintain a well-shaped tree with abundant new growth for fruiting. Remove dead wood or suckers from the base of the tree as needed. Prune to increase the amount of light to the interior of the tree by cutting away unnecessary upright shoots .

Tips & Warnings

• Prune apple trees in early spring before new growth begins.

• Avoid fertilizing in the spring if heavy pruning has been done in late winter or early spring.

• Always use caution when using a ladder.

• Never try to climb the tree with a saw.

• Avoid over-pruning.