Not only the correct preparation of the planting hole is essential for the further development when planting an apple tree. A pruning also helps to steer the growth of the young seedling in the right direction.

Plant the apple tree at the right time

Autumn is the best time to plant an apple tree. When the apple trees have already shed their leaves, the sap circulation in the tree is extremely reduced and transplanting causes far fewer problems for the apple tree than at other times of the year. Nevertheless, the planting should take place before the first night frosts, so that the sensitive roots and the branch ends, which only heal after the planting cut, cannot be damaged. Basically, a pruning is recommended even for very small half-stems and tall-stems, since a strong pruning stimulates an equally strong growth of the apple tree.

Give the tree the best starting conditions at the new location

A newly planted apple tree first has to anchor itself with its roots in a new location. Therefore, pruning that is not too gentle helps the tree in two ways in this phase of its life: It not only promotes increased sprout of the leading branches and thus also the branching of the tree crown, but also ensures that the root system only has to supply a smaller part of the tree crown temporarily. You should also think about the desired height of the tree when pruning the plant, because with it and the other prunings you set the course for the further development of the tree.

Not too shy about the necessary pruning

When planting your new apple tree, you should ideally have the following things ready:

  • a spade for the planting hole
  • loose humus as a jump-start for the
    fine hair roots
  • a plant shears
  • a stake and bast to tie

The actual cut should be made about a third below the shoot tips of the main branches. Cut just above a shoot bud to get nice branching without “dead ends” later. Only leave about three to four main branches around the trunk that you think are suitable for forming a loose tree crown.

tips and tricks

If it is a standard tree, you can also make the pruning before planting the tree to make it easier to reach. But pay attention to the later alignment of the branches when the tree is straight in the hole.

Category:

Trees