How to Prune an Ornamental Crab Apple Tree
The crab apple tree is a brilliant tree that gives off lush pink and white blossoms in early spring. This ornamental tree is usually kept at around 15 feet, shaped into a round bush-like design. The crab apple tree is perfect on display in the corner of lawn or in the center surrounded by bright bordering plants. Taking time to prune this tree will eventually yield a beautiful, immensely flowering tree that will attract a lot of attention.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut away any damaged or discolored roots with hand shears. Place the cut above the break in the root, prior to planting.
-
2
Cut any twig suckers with hand shears, right at their base. This should be done in early spring when they first form.
-
3
Trim away, with hand shears, any broken branches that have been weathered or damaged by other means. Use the bypass loppers when the branch is of 1-inch thickness or greater. Locate the node and trim below this bump or above the area where the branch had broke.
-
4
Cut back, with hand shears, any dead spots or tips of branches without buds. Doing this in mid-summer will promote strong buds where it hasn't yet begun. Trim directly above the break or below the node.
-
5
Cut off overgrown branches with the bypass loppers after the leaves have fallen. Shape the tree into a proper form; when spring comes, the blooms will accentuate the style.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Starting your tree with healthy roots will keep production and growth strong. Twig suckers are small branches that have begun to grow in between two primary and distinguished branches. These twigs will grow into fuller branches, clustering and colliding with the branches that were there first. You can remove broken or damaged branches at anytime during the year. When cutting away branches, always use a 45-degree angle to keep the surrounding areas healthy. A straight cut will cause the remaining branch to dry and possibly become rotted. Watch for nodes on the branches. These areas are little bumps that could lead to a full branch in the years to come. Taking care to their placement will help manage the overall density and design of the tree.
Always protect your hands with gloves that are strong and durable. Choose ones that can withstand any possible insects and the blades of the shears. Keep the shears and loppers sharp and clean to avoid any accidental slips.
