Before
understanding how to prune an apple tree, it is important
to know how apple trees grow. Apple trees are central leader
trees. This means that there is one main upright trunk, called
the leader. All branches will sprout and grow out of this.
A properly pruned apple tree should have a scaffold shape.
This means that there are branches circling the tree, perpendicular
to the leader, and there should be an area of about two feet
between the levels to allow for light to reach the lower leaves
and fruit.
Pruning
apple trees should be done in the winter, encouraging the
plant to grow more during the growing season. The first level
of branches should begin between twenty-four to thirty-six
inches above the surface of the soil. The branches growing
out of the central leader should be either weighted down or
tied loosely to string to promote outward growth as opposed
to vertical growth.
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| Pruning
apple trees during the summer will inhibit growth, and should
be done once the desired size has been reached. Thinning out
the fruit is also important to proper apple tree pruning.
The fruit grown by the tree is oftentimes too heavy for the
branches. When this happens, the branches may break off. Apples
should be removed until they are spaced about four to six
inches apart. This will reduce the burden on the branch, as
well as increase the chances for a full crop the following
year.
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