Pruning apple trees

[Pltreesurgery]

As above , when's the best time of year?

RHS states any time between November and March , other sources say not to touch them till January ?

Cheers

Paul

[Rhob the Log]

Did some shaping today. Ideally left till the harshest weather is over but some of the tip-bearers had broken limbs. As with any pruning, less is more. Get 'pruning and training' by the Royal Horticultural Society. Refs all species, tree and shrub.

[agg221]

As per RHS, but I prefer to do it once the leaves are off as I can see the structure more clearly.

 

I don't prune in heavy frost (or snow) and tend to do the trees which I want more vigorous structural growth from earlier, the ones where I want more even bud break (ie more aiming for fruiting) later.

 

Alec

[burrell_]

Once the leave have dropped of the tree and I say mid feb is cut off time as the buds are getting ready to start to grow

Most important thing in fruit tree pruning is making shore u no what a fruiting bud looks like

Its a long winded job take ur time

It's not like a reduction on a tree

U have to reduce the tree to fruiting buds and growth points and try to thin all the leaders out

(A thinner fruit tree make less fruit but bigger fruit)

A fruit tree that's had a reduction to just growth points makes a thick tree and yes the fruiting crop may be really good but u don't get a good size fruit

Hope this make sence

Iv seen so many tree surgeons that are great at reduction but can't prune fruit trees right to save there life

Best of luck martin

Ps plums don't like being pruned

Edited November 22, 2013 by burrell_

[pol_bishop25]

I've recently made a detailed guide about fruit tree pruning. I've included tips about apple, plum and pear trees. You can check my work here and I hope you like it. Please share, if you have any feedback.

[peatff]

Ps plums don't like being pruned

 

I thought prunes were dried plums, is this a horticultural joke

[PeterGG]

Great information Burrell. I gave a similar explanation to a customer the other day.

 

[ThomasWinfrey]

I think RHS is right.

[Goaty]

Cut off date for prunus species(plum family is to ideally have it pruned before frosts and the wound dry to prevent silver leaf fungus.

 

Apples can be pruned in summer. This is a major part of the lorette pruning techniques. It is based on regular management involving smaller material. It's aim is maximum fruiting.

[Arob]

Check out Alec (agg221's) posting history on this topic - lots of great information and experience shared by him and others (e.g. Gollum).