Pruning apple trees: instructions from the experts

For optimal growth and high yields, an apple tree must be pruned regularly. But what should you watch out for when pruning apple trees?

In order to ensure optimal care for the tree and a harvest that is as balanced as possible every year, it is important to have a Apple tree to cut properly in your own garden. If one observes the growth of the apple tree (Malus), you can clearly see that the leaves are mainly formed on annual shoots and thus ensure that the tree is supplied with energy. From the second year onwards, flower buds can also develop on these shoots. If you rob an apple tree with one cut of all annual shoots, you hurt it twice: The There is a lack of sufficient supply and consequently the harvest will decrease in the same period, but also in the following years fail. That is why it is important to prune an apple tree in a targeted and skillful manner. We will help you to become an expert in apple slicing and to be able to safely make the decision “keep apple shoots or give up apple shoots”.

Pruning apple trees: the right time

It has been found that apple trees do best if they are pruned in winter (January to April) or summer (June to August). In the following, we will take a closer look at when which pruning is best for apple trees.

Pruning apple tree in summer

Apple trees are usually grafted on a base. The base essentially determines the growth properties. If the rootstock of the apple tree is a strongly growing one, the summer pruning can be used. As we have already learned, a significant part of the photosynthetic surface is taken away and the supply of important substances for the growth of the tree is reduced. The wounds heal quickly with a summer cut. However, you have to have a trained eye to make the right cuts on a fully leafy tree in summer.

Pruning apple tree in winter

With the winter pruning from January to April, thanks to the lack of foliage, you have a good overview of which branches could give way. The possible frost at this time is also not an essential argument against the winter pruning. As a rule, frost damage does not occur at temperatures down to -5 ° C. However, after the winter pruning, the tree can put all of its energy into new shoots. This can result in a lot of new shoots forming, shooting through some branches and making the tree look fuller than before. Then you have to prune directly in summer in order to slow down growth with a skilful summer pruning.

Cutting an apple tree: instructions in 8 steps

Now we know when it is best to cut the apple tree. But how do you go about cutting the tree? Which branches should give way? Here you will find answers to the important questions for the optimal pruning of apple trees.

1. Summer or winter cut?
   • It is better to cut strongly growing varieties in summer.
   • Prune poorly growing varieties in winter.
   • If the winter pruning is too strong, trim in summer.
2. Choosing the right tool
   • Using the wrong tools when cutting can do more harm than good to the tree. In any case, the cutting tool must be sharp and it must be possible to achieve a cut surface that is as straight as possible. Then, depending on the thickness of the branch, secateurs, loppers, pruning saws and telescopic saws are suitable for gently pruning apple trees.
3. Selection of important leading instincts
   • In order to give the tree a basic shape, so-called leading shoots have to be determined. Branches that grow neither too steeply nor too horizontally, are healthy and undamaged are suitable for this.
4. Branches that should definitely give way
   • First of all, look out for dead or diseased branches - these must give way in any case.
   • Branches that shoot straight up but also grow into the interior of the tree canopy can also largely give way.

• Plant pruning immediately after planting
  • Important to establish the relationship between the significantly reduced root system (due to the pricking out) and the sprouting crown.
  • Bring out a clear main shoot and cut out any competing, steeply rising branches. In this way, a split crown can be avoided.
  • Shorten branches and encourage branching.
• Parenting pruning of a young apple tree (up to approx. ten years)
  • Cut out shoots pointing steeply up or down.
  • Mostly remove inward-growing shoots.
  • Shorten sparsely branched shoots.
  • Determine the leading branches.
  • Shorten leading branches themselves, but do not shorten branching branches if possible.
• Maintenance pruning of an older apple tree (from approx. 10 years)
  • Always remove branches that drift steeply upwards.
  • Mostly remove inward-growing shoots.
  • Detect dead branches and cut them out.
  • Also remove thicker branches in the crown if it becomes too dense and too little light comes to the fruit.
  • Old branches that do not bear supplying leaves or plenty of fruit can give way in favor of younger branches. It is best to make a summer cut and cut out.
• Most important point
  • Observe the apple tree after the cut.
  • So you can draw conclusions for the next cut and the decision whether a branch has to give way or can lead becomes increasingly easier.

These products are ideal for cutting your shrubs, hedges and trees:

• Felco secateurs: Manual pruning, pruning and pruning shears recommended for all types of cutting. In addition to plastic-coated handles, it has a precision adjustment system for the blade and anvil blade.
• Felco fruit tree and secateurs: Robust fruit tree and secateurs with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
• Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical secateurs for effortless cutting of tall trees and dense shrubs from the ground.

Pruning apple trees: recognizing water shoots and pruning them correctly

So-called water shoots are the shoots that grow steeply upwards. Mostly they can be found inside the tree canopy. The bark is usually noticeably lighter and the wood is softer. With each cut, the water shoots can be removed with ease. If a tree that has not been tended with one cut for a long time is severely pruned, many water shoots will form the next time it sprouts. These are then best thinned out by up to two thirds with a summer pruning and thus the growth and ultimately the formation of the undesirable water drives are significantly slowed down.

They are also owners of other delicious fruit trees such as Pear trees, Cherry trees, Plum trees or the exotic peach tree? Then read the right tips for the perfect one Pruning fruit trees after.

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