Basic Apple Tree Trimming Tips
Proper trimming helps apple trees (Malus domestica) produce plenty of fruit and maintain an attractive shape. Gardeners can prune apple trees to control their size, thin them out and remove damaged parts of the trees. Apple trees come in a variety of sizes, and gardeners can find apple varieties to grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 10. Growers who want small apple trees might want to consider dwarf or semidwarf trees in lieu of over-pruning large varieties to make them small.
Prune newly planted young trees immediately after planting. Cut off any side shoots and trim the tree to 24 to 30 inches tall in order to promote low-growing branches. Do most of the pruning for apple trees during the dormant season when the leaves have fallen off for the winter. Only prune in summer to control very vigorous growth or overly large trees, remove branches that grew poorly during the growing season or remove damaged branches.
In order to get fruit to grow abundantly on the lower branches, focus thinning out branches towards the top of the tree. Trimming towards the top of the tree allows sunlight to reach the lower branches, helping fruit production. It is also helpful to thin out center, or scaffold, branches so that they are not overly crowded. To prevent damage during storms, also prune branches that cross and rub on each other.
To prevent apple tree diseases, use sterilized tools to trim trees. A diluted bleach or alcohol solution will kill harmful fungal spores or bacteria. Make trimming cuts just above buds rather than leaving stubs behind (See Reference 2). Clean cuts just above buds will encourage vigorous new growth. It is also important to avoid flesh cuts on remaining branches. When removing a branch or twig, leave the collar around the base of the branch rather than cutting into the branch or trunk from which it grows The collar is the slightly wider base where a branch connects to another branch or trunk.
Branches to Remove
Apple trees produce abundant fruit on new branches for several years, and they produce less fruit on old branches. Therefore, it is helpful to trim old branches once their fruit growth slows down. It is also helpful to remove diseased, damaged or dead branches. Ideally, branches grow at an upward 60-degree angle from the trunk. Prune branches that grow dramatically upwards or that hang down too much. These types of branches are often prone to splitting or breaking later on.
Lisa Chinn developed her research skills while working at a research university library. She writes for numerous publications, specializing in gardening, home care, wellness, copywriting, style and travel. Chinn also designs marketing materials, holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is working toward a PhD in cognitive neuroscience.