How to Prune Backyard Apple Trees

Follow these simple steps to pruning your
apple tree to produce large yields of fruit.
And keep your tree healthy for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• pruning shears
• ladder

Instructions

1. 

   Apple trees are very tolerant of different pruning methods, this will give you many options to shape your tree that best fits your needs. let's take a look at some of the more popular ways to prune an apple tree so you can get started working on your own trees.

2. 

   The Goal to prune trees to maintain shape and encourage fruit production
   The best time to prune apple trees is in late winter or very early spring before any new growth starts.

3. 

   Start by removing broken or diseased branches, any limbs that cross over or rub on each other, any weak stems or branches that grow towards the trees center. Also any branches that grow straight down with pruning shears.

4. 

   Next, step back and look at your tree from a distance. Try to keep 2-3 feet between layers of branches. This will allow air flow through the tree allowing strong blossoms and rich fruit production.

5. Keeping old wood off your tree and lots of airflow around the main leader, will keep your tree healthy and producing ripe delicious apples for years to come.

Tips & Warnings

• keep airflow around leader

• use sharp pruning shears

• prune prior to any new growth , in late winter.