Column apple only needs a few pruning measures
A columnar apple tree typically has a strong central shoot, from which short side shoots branch off. This can often be done in the second year bloom and fruits - also in complete contrast to conventional apple trees, which usually take significantly longer to do so. The characteristic growth is narrow and columnar. However, if a longer side shoot develops, you should remove it directly from the central shoot without a stub. If there is a remainder, the tree will sprout anew at this point and often even stronger.
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Shorten the side shoots and the best time
Usually it is in the first six to eight years after planting not necessary to shorten the central shoot. The only thing that needs to be shortened is the side shoots, which you cut back to ten to fifteen centimeters. It is best to do this work in the second half of June, as this is the easiest time to slow down growth and more flower buds will be created afterwards.
Shorten the central shoot
After about eight to ten years it can happen that the pillared apple gradually grows too high. Now you can deduce its tip, i. H. cut them back above a side branch. This measure should take place towards the end of August at the earliest, so that no new budding occurs this year. If possible, stop growing columnar apples, as this often has a negative impact on the quantity and quality of the fruit.
Thinning of the fruit
All columnar apple varieties have a strong tendency to alternate, i. H. they do not produce fruits every year. If one year was particularly productive and you were able to harvest an unusually large number of apples, there will probably be none in the following year. The reason lies in the tree's limited power reserves: If too many fruits ripen (on several shoots, for example), it stays that way Columnar apple no longer has any energy for the development of the flowers for the coming year - these are already in place at the time of the fruit development created. However, there is a way to prevent this phenomenon: Thin By the beginning of June at the latest, remove the surplus fruits so that the remaining fruits can ripen better and the tree has sufficient reserves.
Tips
Column apples cultivated in pots are transferred to a larger container about every three to five years or, if they are fully grown, only potted in fresh substrate and the same cut back.
