If you leave an apple tree unpruned for a few years, it will grow very tall and develop a sprawling crown. At the same time, the yields are decreasing. As we show in this article, it is quite easy to get the tree back into shape.
What can I do if the apple tree has grown too tall?
By making arejuvenation cutyou can reduce thesizeof the apple treeand give it a beautiful shape give. It is important not only to cut the height of the fruit tree, but also to thin out the crown and remove dead branches.
What happens if an apple tree is never cut?
The treedevelopsover time aconsiderable heightand awide crown,However, their shape is usually not very appealing. The tree presents itself as follows:
- The scaffolding shoots are heavily branched in the upper area and sink downwards.
- Since the inside of the crown hardly gets any light, it becomes bald.
- Less and less vital fruit wood is formed.
- Fungal diseases and pests can spread through dead branches.
How much can I prune an apple tree?
When rejuvenating, it is important to promote theformationof he althyfruit woodand to give the tree anappealing shapeandSize to give.
- The best time for this measure is early spring.
- Only use sharp tools that leave smooth cuts. This means the wounds heal quickly.
- When pruning the apple tree, use the original branch structure as a guide.
How do you cut back an apple tree that is too tall?
First get anoverviewof the extent of thecutting measuresand how much you want theheightof the apple tree want to reduce. If a lot has to be removed, you should spread the cutting measures over two years.
- Remove competitive shoots.
- Thin out the steep shoots and shorten the middle shoot.
- Redirect the overhanging “brooms” to a young shoot.
- Cut off old fruit shoots that are too long and leave young fruit shoots instead.
Can an apple tree that is too tall be kept small in the future?
Byregular pruningyou can permanentlyregulate theheightof the apple tree. Because the wood continues to sprout at the interfaces, the new growth is shortened in the following years and the height gain is also reduced to a minimum.
These care measures can be carried out in summer, as the tree does not grow as much at this time.
Tip
Prune old apple trees regularly
After the rejuvenation cut, the apple tree is no longer as tall and the crown has a loose structure. The fruit quality is good and you can get rich harvests. However, you now have to keep the fruit tree vital and in shape through maintenance pruning, which should be done every two to three years.
