How to Prune Pole Apple Trees
A pole pruner is a pruning tool, usually in the form of a saw, but also in the form of pruning shears or a small chainsaw blade, that is attached to the end of a long, adjustable pole. This mechanism allows a person to prune the upper branches of a tree without leaving the ground, thereby allowing the non-arborist to safely prune her tree without the possibility of a fall. Some pole pruners function with a rope or leverage system or a chainsaw blade, while many are just saw blades.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Wear all the proper safety equipment when pruning your apple trees. Put on a helmet and wear gloves that will allow you to grip the pruner properly, as well as eye protection.
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2
Extend the pole so your blade reaches the branch you wish to prune. Make sure that the pole is firmly adjusted; test that it is secure before you begin to remove the branch.
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Remove some of the canopy (the middle, upper growth) to allow your apples access to more light, especially if you notice that your tree has been producing smaller apples. Apple trees generally grow up from the middle. Focus on removing any overgrown branches back to the old wood. Orchardsedge.com also recommends thinning out and shortening any branch clusters to give them more access to light and encourage growth.
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4
Remove any weak branches, dead or diseased branches, any branches growing towards the center of the tree, or straight upwards from a branch, according to Weekendgardener.net.
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Place the blade as close to the branch collar as possible without damaging or cutting the branch collar in any way. Your blade should be at least twice, if not three times the thickness of the branch to be cut.
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Begin to saw on the side of the branch that faces you. After you have cut about halfway through that branch, move the blade to the opposite side of the branch and make an undercut. This will prevent your cut from causing a bark hinge. Bark hinges occur when the blade does not cut through the bark on the opposite side, but causes the bark to break instead. When the branch falls, the bark hinge peels bark along with it and can damage the tree.
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Bring the blade back to the other side and continue sawing. When you reach the undercut, the branch will fall off.
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Cut almost all the way through the branch and then pull the rope or activate the leverage system to snip off the remaining piece of the branch. This action also prevents a bark hinge. If you have a chainsaw pole pruner, follow its directions for use. Chainsaw blades will cut right through small branches with no problem or bark hinges.
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Tips & Warnings
Prune apple trees during their dormancy and before any new growth begins. This is best done during late fall and winter.
Cut the branch multiple times in small sections if it is especially long.
Try to angle your cut so it aligns with the angle of the branch collar.
Take safety precautions before you begin any pruning project. Falling branches are a danger to anyone standing on the ground. Pruning is a two-person job, at most, so keep children, pets and spectators away from the tree, and keep your eyes on your work.
Always wear gloves, a helmet and protective eyewear.
Pay attention to the rope on your pole pruner, because it can easily get caught in the branches.
