There should still be time to prune your apple trees if you haven’t done so already.
Benefits of pruning apple trees
Improve the shape of the tree. The shape of the tree matters because that’s what allows good air circulation, access to sunlight, and even fruit distribution.
Promote better growth and better fruit, as it opens up the tree creating good airflow and allows light to reach all of the tree. It also allows the tree to not be ‘overworked’.
Reduce risk for disease, as it opens up the tree to ensure good airflow.
How to prune apple trees
You want to cut off branches or parts of branches that aren’t healthy or aren’t growing in a good position, aiming to remove around 10-20% of the canopy during a regular winter pruning. You’re going to want seceteurs, loppers, and a saw. Eye protection is probably a good idea to protect from falling branches and sawdust. You may need a step ladder or something sturdy to stand on to reach higher branches. As you can see from the picture below, I used an old tyre to stand on.
The branches that I was focusing on were:
- Branches that were too low to the ground
- Branches that were too spindly and at risk of breaking
- Branches that were crossing over other branches
- Branches that were heading towards the middle or up through others
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