Many fruit trees can only be cut at certain 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 tree pruning.
When is the best time to prune an apple tree?
The ideal time to prune apple trees is in winter, between January and March. Additional pruning can be performed in summer and fall to optimize growth and fruit yield. Avoid cuts during heat waves or extreme temperatures.
The main cut in winter
The most important time for pruning apple trees annually 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 winter dormancy and only a low level of tree sap circulation. However, when cutting in winter, make sure that thick branches do not leave any cuts that are exactly horizontal. In the event of frost, the water that accumulates in these would continually burst open the cut edges and the tree bark, opening the door to possible fungal infestation and other diseases. During winter pruning, scions can also be obtained from the water shoots at the upper end of the tree crown for variety propagation by grafting.
The summer pruning of the apple tree
Especially strong-growing apple trees can also tolerate additional pruning in summer. The water shoots and, in particularly high-bearing years, excess fruits can be removed if they are too numerous to support the branches. However, summer pruning should not be done during a prolonged heat wave with severe drought, otherwise the apple tree could dry out due to the many cuts. In any case, you should water the apple tree thoroughly after cutting it in summer. Summer pruning is also a good opportunity to correct mistakes made in winter pruning and to ensure that fruit-bearing branches extend at least a 45 degree angle from the leading branches.
Pruning the apple tree in autumn
Even in autumn, the last attempt can be made to start the next season with a vital apple tree. At this point, unwanted tree components such as these are ideally removed:
- dead, wilted branches
- branches snapped under the weight of fruit
- branches that are too close together in the treetop
- water shoots grown in midsummer
- rotten or moldy fruit mummies
After pruning in autumn, there are also further care measures for the apple tree. A coat of lime 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 most easily dug up and moved in the fall if sufficient pruning is carried out at the same time.
Tips & Tricks
When pruning in winter, you should also choose a time with rather mild temperatures. When it is neither particularly warm nor cold for the time of year, the apple tree tolerates pruning best.
