How to prune apples? Pruning methods and technical points

Apple pruning time

Apples need to be pruned four times a year. The best time for pruning is in winter, from mid-January to early March. Apple pruning can reduce nutrient consumption, promote overall nutrient accumulation, improve ventilation and light conditions, and increase fruit yield and quality.

How to prune apples

1. Winter pruning

Apple trees enter a dormant period in winter. After flowering and fruiting, they have consumed too many nutrients. Pruning work should be done at this time. For trees with larger crowns, dense branches should be thinned out. Young trees should be pruned slowly to promote the formation of flower buds. Old trees can be pruned, and branches with more flower buds should be removed appropriately.

2. Bud pruning

The buds in the middle and back of apple tree branches are difficult to germinate, so bud pruning measures are needed to promote branching. You can make a mark 0.5 cm in front of the bud, with a depth of about one-quarter. At the same time, you should deduct the buds on competing branches and the buds on the back of auxiliary branches to prevent them from consuming nutrients when branching.

3. Re-cut

Apple trees can be pruned again after budding. For trees that grow slowly and have not been pruned in winter, re-pruning is necessary at this time. If the plants are growing vigorously, only the main branches need to be pruned during winter pruning, and other pruning steps can be left for re-pruning.

4. Thinning buds

Apple trees need to be thinned out between blooms, that is, in mid-April. This can ensure that the fruit has more nutrients and is fuller. Only the central flower and one side flower should be retained, and the others should be removed, but the cluster leaves should be retained.