How to Prune a Dolgo Crabapple Tree

Dolgo crabapples are native to North America, where only four different kinds of apple tree species actually grow. They produce pretty flowers and edible fruit, which is smaller than traditional table apples. Pruning your crabapple tree improves their health because dead and diseased tree limbs are removed. Cutting branches that are rubbing together can prevent a bark problem from developing. Well-maintained crabapples produce healthy fruit and flowers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pruning shears
• Lopping shears
• Pruning saws

1. Prune only the branches that are damaged, up against each other, as well as growth at the tree's base. Do this by using a pruning saw or shears.

2. Cut the area of the branch where a ring of tissue forms around the base part of the branch. Make cuts at the branch collar (the ring of tissue) but not any further back from this point.

3. Remove one to three limbs (major branches) on the crabapple, which start at the tree trunk.

4. Take out only one-third of the tree's canopy (limbs and branches). Removing any more than 1/3 of the canopy will cause unwanted new growth.

5. Prune each year following the first year or every other year after the initial pruning by using above pruning method.

Tips & Warnings

• Landscapers should shape their crabapples during spring. Prune between March and April. Prune after the possibility of freezing temperatures is over but before the tree blooms. Only prune shrubs that are right up against your crabapple trees.

References

• University of Maine
• University of Maine