Ornamental apples are just as tolerant of pruning as their big brothers, the cultivated apples. Of course, pruning has no effect on the size of the fruit or the crop yield. In order to give the decorative flowering and fruit tree a well-formed silhouette, you should still use scissors every year.
The ornamental apple should get its shape cut if possible at the leafless time
Instructions for winter pruning
A crab apple gets its central shape and maintenance cut during the leafless winter time. This choice of date reduces the stress on the wood to a minimum. You also have an unobstructed view of the branches at this time of year, which is an advantage for cultivation both as a large shrub and as a small tree. Ideally, you proceed in 2 stages, which we will explain to you in more detail here:
Thin out
- Cut off all deadwood at the base of the crabapple bush
- Remove dead branches on a ring in a tree crown
- Cut away the weaker specimen from branches that are too close together or are rubbing against each other
- Prune or completely prune steep upward or inward shoots
topiary
- Shorten branches that are too long by one to two thirds
- Position the pruning shears a few millimeters above an outward-facing eye
- In shrubs, cut off 3 to 4 of the oldest shoots close to the ground every 2 years with the aim of rejuvenation
At the end of the main cut in late winter, the crown of the tree or bush is so airy that the sun's rays can reach all regions of the ornamental apple. Thanks to this cut, you effectively prevent balding from the inside out.
Cut the ornamental apple hedge into a trapezoid shape
The majority of ornamental apple varieties reach a height of 400 to 600 cm, which keeps prying eyes away from the property. Thus, the ornamental trees are ideal for a magnificent privacy hedge. To ensure that Malus hybrids create a lavish dress of flowers and leaves every year, a trapezoidal cut has proven to be the best.
A broad base that tapers towards the top is characteristic. In combination with sloping sides, you create a light-flooded hedge in which old people don't stand a chance. Cords stretched between wooden pegs serve as your orientation during the cutting work.
Summer pruning is used to train the standard - this is how it works
By nature, a crabapple strives to grow as a large shrub. If you want to raise the tree to a standard, ideally prune your Malus hybrids in early summer from June. How to do it right:
- Starting from the base, remove excess side shoots up to the height of the crown
- Position the scissors in such a way that the branch collar (thickening between trunk and branch) is not damaged
- Dust cuts with charcoal ash or rock dust
During the entire vegetation period, please regularly check the wild bedding. Wild shoots sometimes sprout here, which not only disfigure a crabapple, but also require unnecessary energy expenditure. You simply tear off such branches with a courageous jerk.
tips
In the orchard, ornamental apples make a valuable contribution to improving the crop yield. Popular varieties such as 'Evereste' or 'Golden Hornet' act as excellent pollen donors for cultivated apple trees.