It's not just the correct preparation of the planting hole that is essential for further development when planting an apple tree. A planting cut also helps to direct the growth of the young seedling in the right direction.
How do I prune an apple tree?
A planting cut on an apple tree promotes the growth and branching of the tree crown. Cut about a third below the tips of the main branches, directly above a shoot bud, and leave only about three to four main branches around the trunk.
Planting the apple tree at the right time
The best time to plant an apple tree is autumn. 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, planting should take place before the first night frosts so that the sensitive roots and the branch ends that only heal after the planting cut cannot be damaged. In principle, planting pruning is recommended even for very small half-trunks and tall trunks, as severe pruning stimulates 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 again with its roots in a new location. Therefore, pruning that is not too gentle helps the tree in this phase of life in two ways: it not only promotes increased sprouting of the leading branches and thus also the branching of the tree crown, but also ensures that the root system only has to temporarily supply a smaller portion of the tree crown. You should also think about the desired height of the tree when pruning, as this and the further tree cuts set the course for the further development of the tree.
Don't be too shy when it comes to the necessary plant 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 starting aid for thefine hair roots
- planting scissors
- a stake and raffia to tie up
The actual cut should be made about a third below the shoot tips of the main branches. Cut directly above a shoot bud in order to later obtain beautiful branches without “dead ends”. Only leave around three to four main branches around the trunk that seem suitable for forming a loose tree crown.
Tips & Tricks
If it is a standard tree, you can also do the planting pruning before planting the tree for better accessibility. However, pay attention to the later alignment of the branches when the tree is standing straight in the hole.
