If the apple tree forms numerous water shoots, this has a negative effect on the vitality of the tree and the fruit yield. Regular removal of these shoots is therefore an essential part of tree care.
How to cut the water shoots of the apple tree?
The water shoots of an apple tree are not cut back, butwith a sharp jerkdownwardsbroken out. This makes the wounds heal better. In addition, the tree no longer forms as many of these unproductive shoots, which cost it unnecessary energy.
What are water shoots?
Water shoots or water shoots arethin, soft, vertically growing branches of fruit trees. The light colored bark of these shoots is significantly more delicate than that of the branches.
Water shoots almost always arise from a sleeping bud (adventitious bud), which is visible as a small thickening on the branch. If these shoots are not removed regularly, they quickly reach a length of up to one meter.
Why does the apple tree form water shoots?
Acut that was too vigorous in the previous year is often the trigger for the formation of water shoots. The apple tree replaces the lost wood and foliage with the soft branches.
Even fruit trees that have had poor fruiting for several years produce excessive amounts of water. They try to stimulate fruit formation, but this rarely succeeds. Heavy fertilizer applications can also be to blame for the apple tree forming numerous water shoots.
How to cut water shoots?
Since the apple tree can close cracks more quickly than cuts, you shouldnot cut back the shoots, butbreak them out with a jerk:
- Score the bark below the base of the shoot.
- Grab the branch at the base.
- Pull it down firmly so that it breaks off.
When should water shoots be cut?
The right time for this work isspring, as thetreethenregenerate wellcan. However, wait until after the Ice Saints to remove the water shoots, because before then there is a risk of late frosts in our latitudes.
You should never cut back water shoots in the winter months. The apple tree would grow more in spring, but only produce sparse flowers and fewer fruits.
How can water shoots be avoided?
The formation of water jetscannot be completely avoided. However, there are a few things you can do to keep their numbers down:
- Do not cut back the apple tree too much.
- Do not leave any branch stubs standing from whose sleeping eyes new water shoots could form.
- Always shorten the fruit tree in winter, as cutting back in autumn promotes frost damage and thus new growth.
- Make sure you use sharp and very clean cutting tools so that the wounds heal quickly.
Tip
Don’t keep apple trees too small
Apple trees can grow to a considerable size over the years. However, if you deliberately keep the tree small and trim it excessively, this will encourage the formation of water shoots. Therefore, when planting, choose a growth habit whose final height and crown match the existing area.