An apple tree seems to be considered by many garden owners as an easy-care variant for a vitamin-rich and delicious fruit yield from their own garden. However, many apple varieties also require some care throughout the year.

Guide the young tree in the right direction

You should not only start pruning your apple tree when it has finally outgrown you in terms of its size and height. Rather, a targeted pruning in winter, summer and autumn can help to give a young apple tree stability and vitality. After all, an ideal pruning ensures:

  • a light treetop
  • better protection against fungal attack and diseases
  • more stable branches for a rich harvest to mature
  • more nutrients for the forming of the fruits

Light and air for the treetop

A sparse and well winded treetop is advantageous for several reasons. The leaves exposed to light can generate enough energy to develop ripe and sweet fruits on the tree. The wind can dry the leaves better in a sparse tree crown, which provides better protection against powdery mildew, even in less resistant apple varieties. Last but not least, a tree crown with a loose branch system also enables a low-maintenance harvest in late summer and autumn.

The right cut for the educational cut

In general, cuts in the apple tree should be made in such a way that no cut surface remains in a horizontal position. Otherwise, water would collect on top of it, which in winter bursts open the outer layer of the tree and promotes the penetration of diseases. Twigs should not attach to the branches at an angle that is too narrow, otherwise they are better removed. Leave the branches that have loose branching and stable bearing capacity for the expected apples.

tips and tricks

If you don't want to prune your apple tree yourself, maybe a neighbor or acquaintance can help you. Perhaps you can agree on a share in the harvest, which will be all the richer after the cut, as wages.

Category:

Trees