When should you prune an apple tree?

Pruning an apple tree takes some experience. When the right time for pruning has come differs between strongly and weakly growing varieties. In addition to the main prunings in spring and autumn, you can also prune the trees in summer, provided that you observe the special regulations for this time of year. Weather, frequency of cuts and technology also play a role.

Pruning apple tree: timing

Proper and regular pruning is essential for tree health. Sick and dead branches are removed so that the wood can fully invest the energy in the development of flowers and fruits. Two cuts per year are ideal so that the tree sprouts vigorously and many Flower buds developed. Proper pruning will prevent that Diseases and pests occur. When pruning, make sure that there is a balance between one-year and two-year shoots:

• Leaves develop on annual shoots
• Foliage provides the tree with energy
• If there is enough energy, flower buds develop on biennial branches

tip: If the apple tree bore little fruit in the previous year, you can prune it back generously. If the harvest was abundant, limit yourself to the bare minimum when cutting.

Pay attention to the weather

Choose a day when the thermometer has not fallen into the minus range. The wood is very brittle from a temperature of -5 ° C. A cut can damage the wood and create entry points for pathogens and pests. If you prune the apple tree later in the year, you should wait for a longer dry spell. Then the branches are dry and can be removed more easily. Soaked wood cuts harder and provides better growth conditions for pathogens.

Spring cut

From November to March the apple tree is in a dormant state, so that it does not carry any sap in the ducts. From February onwards, strongly growing varieties can be pruned gently and easily. Malus domestica only develops fresh buds in the following growth phase. With targeted pruning measures, you can bring the tree into the shape you want, because it will sprout again at the interfaces. The spring cut has many advantages:

• better overview because branches are leafless
• Malformations and adhesions become visible
• Cuts heal faster
• less susceptibility to pests and fungi

Summer cut

Forbidden between March and September Federal Nature Conservation Act radical pruning measures on woody plants. The aim is to protect the nesting sites of birds that choose apple trees and other fruit trees as breeding grounds. Careful pruning is allowed, however, as long as you do not disturb breeding birds. These measures are recommended shortly after flowering. Then you can see which branches hardly have flowers and can be removed. With specific pruning measures, you promote the fruit ripeness on the remaining branches so that you can improve your harvest.

• Cut weak growing varieties in summer
• Prune trees in summer to correct spring pruning
• Bring freshly planted trees directly into shape

Autumn cut

The birds' breeding season ends in October and you can use the hedge trimmer a second time. Particularly fast-growing varieties should also be pruned in autumn in order to increase the harvest in the following year. Remove branches that have broken off under the weight of apples. Cut off all the branches that are too close together on the apple tree and thin out the top of the tree. This means that strong and healthy branches get enough light again. Focus on the water shoots that bend inward or grow too tall. Spreading and overhanging branches are left standing. Check the crown for underdeveloped fruits called fruit mummies. Remove these to maintain tree health:

• The pulp ferments and rots
• Apples can fall and get caught in forks of branches
• Fruit mummies provide an ideal breeding ground for fungal spores

Note: Did you know that water saplings rob the tree of strength because they have excessive sap? The thin twigs are lighter than the other branches and grow in the center of the tree canopy.