Sometimes the apple tree initially forms weak shoots below the grafting point, which relatively quickly become strong branches. You can find out why these wild shoots need to be removed and how this should be done in this guide.
How do wild shoots develop on apple trees?
If the base used forgrafting sprouts,the so-called wild shoots form. These differ in shape and appearance from the grafted noble variety, but can also be recognized by the fact that the new shoots grow from the trunk below the grafting point.
What happens if I don't do anything about the wildlife?
Don't cut back the wild shoots,this will cost the apple tree a lot of energy. Over time, the wild shoots can damage the refined apple tree Dominate the part and even cause it to die due to the better growth properties.
As a result, the fruit yield becomes worse and under certain circumstances the less tasty apples from the seedling rootstock end up hanging on the tree.
How are wild shoots removed correctly?
It has proven useful to simplybreak off thewild shootsof the apple treewith a strong jerk:
- Remove these as close to the trunk as possible.
- Score the bark at the attachment point.
- Make sure to break off the thickening area between the trunk and branch.
If you have neglected the tree and the wild shoots have already reached considerable strength, they can no longer be pulled out. In this case, saw off the wild branches close to the trunk and peel out the branch ring.
Why shouldn't wild shoots be cut back?
If you cut off any thin wild shoots with scissors, more sleeping eyes will form at the interface, from which further wild shoots will sprout. After cutting back, increasingly thick ridges form, which reinforce this effect.
Tip
Wild shoots are not water shoots
A water shoot grows vertically upwards from the perennial wood of the apple tree, wild shoots appear below the grafting point. Both variants should be consistently removed as they cost the tree unnecessary energy. Wild shoots can overgrow the grafted part of the apple, while water shoots lead to weaker yields.
