Normally, regular tree pruning is enough to give an apple tree not only vitality but also stability. In particularly good harvest years, however, it may be necessary to additionally support branches heavily laden with fruit.
How to support branches of an apple tree?
Apple tree branches should be supported if they threaten to break under the weight of bountiful harvests. Self-made, T-shaped supports made of untreated wooden strips, which can be inserted under the branches and fixed with raffia, are suitable for gentle support.
Protect apple branches gently
In order not to injure the branches or the fruit on the apple tree, wooden supports are recommended. You can make these yourself relatively easily from the following materials:
- Construction strips made of untreated wood
- Hammer
- Nails of sufficient length
- Hand or electric saw
Form T-shaped supports from the construction strips and fix them with the nails. Then insert the supports into the ground under heavy apple branches so that the heavy branch can rest on the support. A bit of raffia or foam protects the sensitive tree bark from abrasion in the wind. You can also attach the branch to the respective support with raffia.
Support as a system and growth habit
With an apple tree trellis, the growth of the seedlings is deliberately controlled in such a way that the combination of cutting technique and tying results in a stable branch structure. Although the branches of an espalier tree are usually kept so short that branches cannot break off under the weight of a rich harvest, the tensioned cross wires also have a supporting effect on the espalier.
Supporting a crooked apple tree
Sometimes, wind damage or years of neglecting winter and summer pruning can cause older apple trees to become crooked. In such a case, you should try to rejuvenate the tree with pruning. If this is not possible for various reasons, a T-support or wooden stake can give the tree stability against further wind damage.
Tips & Tricks
With the appropriate topiary, a young apple tree shouldn't need any supports at first. However, the seedling can be easily attached to a stable wooden stake with raffia and thus protected from the influences of wind and weather during the growth phase after planting.