How Do You Prune Apple Trees Between Autumn And Spring?
• Assess the pruning technique needed. This will differ depending on whether it is a spur bearing or a tip bearing apple tree. Most trees are spur bearing, which means that the flowers and the fruit grow on older branches nearer to the trunk of the tree. The flowers and fruit on tip bearing trees will grow on newer shoots and should be cut back less vigorously. This article discusses the technique required for a spur bearing tree. • Remove “suckers”. Use secateurs to cut back the “suckers”. Suckers are the unwanted shoots that grow near the base of the trunk. Remove all of these shoots up to the base of the main canopy of the tree to encourage a good shape. • Remove dead wood. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood which is flaking or discoloured. Remove the whole branch if it doesn’t have any buds. If it does have buds towards the base of the branch, make a cut just above an outward facing bud. Angle each cut so rain can drain off the stem rather than sitting on top and rotting the
