One of the most important steps in apple tree care is tree pruning. Correct care and formation of the crown will help to obtain a rich harvest and easier harvesting of apples.
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Winter and spring pruning
After planting trees in the fall, pruning is done in the spring: in March or April. The first cuts must be carried out immediately after planting is complete, this will allow you to start forming the crown. Purchased trees are usually sold already with a cut crown, it is important to clarify this at the time of purchase.
Apple trees with one shoot without branching must be shortened to a height of 70 to 90 cm, after which branched shoots begin to appear.
When planting an apple tree with a crown and side branches, when pruning, you must:
- leave three to seven shoots that grow horizontally or slightly tilted;
- shorten the main shoot, this will stimulate the growth of the tree;
- shorten the left shoots by 1/3 or 1/4;
- remove the rest of the shoots.
For 3-4 years of growth, trees are regularly pruned, preferably in late winter or early spring.
Winter pruning of apple trees
Older apple trees are pruned in early spring or late winter, making it easier for the sun to reach the trees. Also, due to these actions, the risk of fungal growth is reduced and fruiting is regulated. Due to the reduction of branches, the apples ripen larger and more tasty.
It is best to prune after the end of severe cold weather, before the onset of active spring growth and the appearance of greenery. Most summer residents perform circumcision after a slight warming has occurred. But here it is important to consider that you should not wait too long, otherwise you can harm the trees.
Pruning in fall and summer
Most summer residents prune trees with the onset of autumn, but before the onset of frost in December. After all the leaves have crumbled, you can start trimming the branches. At this moment, the apple trees are resting. It is important not to delay this process so that the trees do not freeze during the period of extreme cold.
In summer, pruning is done between July and August. Except for early varieties that are pruned in early summer. The latest time is the beginning of September. Later, it is already possible to harm the trees that have gathered for winter rest, and additionally stimulate their growth before frost. Branches that grow vertically are cut off. Extra annual branches are removed. The most fruitful shoots in the second, third and fourth years.
To trim trees you will need:
- secateurs - will allow you to cut off small branches and shoots;
- scissors - it is optimal to choose two-handed gardening scissors;
- garden saw - used for large branches.
Choose tools made by reputable manufacturers.
After pruning is completed, a special ointment must be applied at the cut sites, which will help speed up wound healing and prevent tree diseases due to fungicides in the composition.
Despite the fact that apple trees can grow and produce crops without pruning, it is recommended to carry out cutting off excess branches and forming a crown, since over time the unformed crown will grow too thick. Because of this, the branches become thicker, the dense branched crown interferes with the growth of fruits. All this affects the quality of the crop. Apples grow small and ripen worse. Uncut trees are more easily exposed to various diseases. Therefore, it is recommended not to forget about pruning garden trees from the very beginning of planting.
These simple steps will allow you to get a rich apple harvest every year, as well as observe the growth of healthy trees with a beautifully formed crown.
Do you know when to prune apple trees?
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