Pruning an Apple Tree and a Walnut Tree? When and How ?

Question

My younger brother has a ranch in the Sierra Foothills, and has two nice old apple-trees and two nice old walnut-trees. They are ALL rather overgrown though, and I'm curious about the correct time of year and the correct method of pruning them. I'd like to see them grow alittle taller and produce alittle more. Thank for your help.

Answer 1

Probably the best time to prune an apple tree would be in late fall or winter.

1) Here's a great website with photos that will instruct you how to properly prune an apple tree;

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1150.html

2) Here's a site that instructs you how to care for a mature apple tree year-round;

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1401.html


Many walnut growers will tell you that they prefer to prune mature walnut trees soon after harvest because it's easier to spot dead/decayed branches at that time. Also, since the trees are so tall, it's easier to operate a ladder when the soil is still dry rather than sinking in the mud during winter rains.

3) Here's a website that tells you how to properly prune a walnut tree and some helpful tips on growing them;

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/em/em8907.pdf

4) Here's are a couple of websites that give you the year-round care for growing walnuts;

http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:VEBjnMGhiecJ:homeorchard.ucdavis.edu/Cal_wlnt2.pdf+pruning+walnut+trees&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=9&gl=us

http://www.cfaitc.org/Commodity/pdf/Walnuts.pdf

Hope this information provides you with the necessary information to get those trees back into productive shape. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

The best time of year to prune apple trees in the north is during the months of January to March, In the south would probably be December to February. When the trees are most dormant, and the sap is retained deep in the roots.

It depends a great deal on what variety of apple tree he has, and there are literally hundreds of different varieties in which to choose from.

But the general rule for pruning all apple variety trees, is to try and keep an Open center, to allow sunlight to get into where the apples are growing so they will not stay damp and get to rotting. This also allow for good air drainage through the tree, allowing moisture and so-forth to be dryed up, where as a really thick heavy leafed tree would not allow air or light to get in.

Three points to remember for pruning old trees-

1. Year one - prune lightly, and not too much.

2. Year two - prune moderately heavy.

3. Year three - prune same as year one, and every year after this as you would normally prune your apple tree orchard.

As to the walnut tree - you don't have to worry much about it, it usually takes care of it's self, but if you have to, trim some limbs that hang down that would happen to be in your way.

Just take your time, don't get it in a big rush, it'll work out fine!

o.k. I hope I've been some help to you, Sir.

Answer 3

I was taught that the best time to prune was anytime your knife was sharp, lol...... Seriously, the best time to prune any decidious tree (fruit or otherwise, is when it`s dormant....usually in the winter).