On a mature fruit producing apple tree, pruning should remove the older, less fruit productive branches after their peak three to five year period. When to Prune Apple TreesĪlthough apple tree trimming may be accomplished any time of the year, late winter to very early spring is most advisable (March and April), after the worst of the cold snaps to minimize possible injury due to frost.

Pruning not only increases sunlight, shapes the tree, and removes limbs that are unnecessary, but also promotes the size of the apple, uniform ripening, ups the sugar content, and decreases insects and diseases by allowing for better overall spray coverage and efficient drying post rain shower.

The shape of the apple tree during the budding season and following winter will influence the number of flowers, and hence, the condition of fruit. Pruning apple trees is essential to the overall health of the tree. Pruning Apple TreesĪpple tree trimming is beneficial for several reasons: removing diseased or damaged limbs, maintaining a controlled height from which fruit may be more easily picked, developing a strong structure for fruit production, and encouraging new limbs. Let’s learn how and when to prune apple trees to get the most from your apple harvest. Apple trees may make great shade trees, but if your primary purpose in planting is to garner the delicious fruit, you need to pull out those pruning shears and get to work.

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