Many fruit trees may only be pruned at very specific times of the year, otherwise they could suffer permanent damage. Since apple trees are less sensitive to this, different periods of time are particularly suitable for pruning.

The main cut in winter

The most important time for the annual pruning of apple trees is winter. If the branches of the apple tree are cut back between January and March, this is very well tolerated by the tree due to the hibernation and only little tree sap circulation. However, when cutting in winter, make sure that thick branches do not cut exactly horizontally. In the event of frost, the water accumulated in this would continuously burst open the cut edges and the tree bark, thus opening the door to possible fungal infestation and other diseases. During winter pruning, grafting can also be used to obtain scions from the water shoots at the upper end of the tree crown for variety propagation.

The summer pruning of the apple tree

Fast-growing apple trees in particular can tolerate an additional cut in summer. In doing so, the water shoots and, in particularly high-bearing years, excess fruit can also be removed if they are too numerous to support the branches. However, the summer pruning should not be carried out during a persistent heat wave with great drought, otherwise the apple tree could dry out due to the many cuts. In any case, you should also water the apple tree extensively after a cut in summer. Summer pruning is also a good opportunity to correct mistakes made in winter pruning, making sure fruiting branches are at least a 45 degree angle from the main branches.

The pruning of the apple tree in autumn

Even in autumn, one last attempt can be made to start the next season with a vital apple tree. At this point, ideally, unwanted tree components such as these are removed:

  • dead, withered branches
  • branches snapped under the weight of fruit
  • branches in the treetop that are too close together
  • water shoots grown in midsummer
  • rotten or moldy fruit mummies

After the pruning in autumn, there are other care measures for the apple tree. A lime coat can not only protect the tree trunk from pest infestation, but also from temperature-related cracks in the bark. Apple trees that are still young can also be dug up and moved most easily in autumn if a sufficient educational pruning is carried out at the same time.

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A time with rather mild temperatures should also be chosen for winter pruning. If it is neither particularly warm nor cold for the time of year, the apple tree tolerates pruning best.

Category:

Trees