prunning an apple tree???

Question

what is the best way to prune an apple tree, it is currently way over grown and has alot of dead limbs 30%, there are also alot of newer branches hanging down.

Answer 1

Dead can be pruned anytime!

Pruning in the late winter, early spring before leaf out is recommended, but apples tend to send up a lot of suckers (straight up growth from the limbs) if over pruned.

I'm assuming the tree is flower and leafing out now. Wait. Wait until early June and do some pruning....about 10-15%. The trick is not to open the tree up so much the tender bark underneath sunburns. Then next winter you can prune some more. It may take several years to get this tree pack.

Don't do a lot of tip pruning, instead do thinning where ever possible: that's taking a branch in hand and following it back to where it originated......probably a larger branch. Sometimes it's the trunk.

It's really hard to describe, do some research here on the web to get some ideas. Remember with apples, it's better to go slow than to rise sending the tree into sprouting and also alternative bearing (where it bears every other year.....some varieties are notorious for that!)

Answer 2

Cut the dead branches back until you find live wood (sap). Cut the branch after each fork. Do not cut a separate branch flush with the surface it is growing out of or you will damage that part. (Cutting an entire branch off and even with the trunk will damage the trunk.)

Same hold true with the live branches. Try to keep the branches away from other buildings and the ground by about 3 - 4 feet to allow for movement. And use a sharp cutting tool.

Answer 3

Pruning and thinning out branches will make the tree healthier and will improve the quality of the fruit you harvest. Prune with a purpose in mind. And, don't over-prune.

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