Know when and how to prune apple trees and your plant will be strong, healthy and fruiting lots. Most apple trees need minimal pruning but benefit from an annual trim. Keep your apple trees in top shape with this step-by-step pruning guide.
1. Prune After the Harvest
The best time to prune an apple tree is right after the harvest. This is usually late winter to early spring depending on the apple variety and your zone. In most zones January to March is the best time to prune apple trees.
Apple trees bear fruit on spurs that develop on older wood so pruning after harvest encourages new spur growth. This new growth gives better fruiting in the coming seasons and prevents shading inside the canopy.
2. Use the Right Tools
Use hand pruners to remove small branches and water sprouts and loppers or a pruning saw for larger branches. Keep your tools sharp to make clean cuts and minimize damage. To prevent the spread of disease like fire blight sterilize your tools by dipping them in a 10% bleach solution before starting and between trees.
3. Cut Back to the Collar
When removing a branch cut it back to the swollen area where it meets the trunk – this is called the branch collar. Cutting just outside the collar promotes quicker healing and prevents weak growth. Don’t leave a long stub as this slows healing and increases the risk of infection or pest infestation.
4. Remove Dead and Damaged Branches
Prune any dead, diseased, broken or damaged branches as soon as you see them. If an apple tree suffers winter damage don’t prune immediately – sometimes new growth emerges from damaged wood in the spring. If no new growth appears by late spring remove the affected branches.
5. Three-Part Cuts on Big Branches
For branches over 1-1.5” use a three-part cutting method to prevent tearing the bark:
- Make the first cut 6-12” from the branch collar, sawing about one-third through the underside of the branch.
- Make the second cut 3” further out from the undercut, cutting from the top down until the branch falls away. The undercut will prevent the bark from tearing.
- Make the final cut close to the branch collar to remove the remaining stub and allow the wound to heal properly.
6. Remove Suckers
Suckers (water sprouts) grow from the trunk or main branches. These thin, fast growing shoots take energy from the tree and never produce fruit. Remove them as they appear and direct the energy towards productive growth.
Suckers can also grow below the graft union, producing weak and undesirable growth. Cut these off as soon as you see them to keep your apple tree in top condition.
7. Cut Off Crisscrossing Branches
Remove branches that rub against each other or the trunk. Wind movement can cause crisscrossing branches to create wounds and give pests and diseases entry points. Keeping the canopy open improves air flow, reduces disease risk and ensures even sunlight on fruit.
By following these tips you’ll get healthier growth, more fruit and a longer lived apple tree!
