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  • Pruning apple trees

    Could anyone help me with some advice on pruning two old neglected apple trees in my garden, we only moved in last year and they are both very tiggy and dense in the top. The previous owner has just cut all the braches across the top and all the new growth has come out and shot for the sky. All the advice i can find generally deals with training a new tree not attacking an old one. Also will it affect fruit production this yr if I prune now?

    Thankyou

  • #2
    oops

    Just realised this treadhas already been started. Dope

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    • #3
      Pip. I hope you found the information helped?

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      • #4
        It all makes perfect sense until I go out side and look at the thing. Then I've got no idea where to start.

        Might just leave it where it is in case gas prices go up again!!!

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        • #5
          The trouble is your tree hasn't read the thread PIP !
          ntg
          Never be afraid to try something new.
          Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.
          A large group of professionals built the Titanic
          ==================================================

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          • #6
            Pip. Start small and just remove the branches that are crossing over others that cause rubbing. Once you have done that stand back and get your self a mug of tea. Look at the tree shape you have left. Imagine the tree is one large glass goblet and visualise removing the central area of branches. Dont cut anything at this stage but go back another day to do the cutting.
            The motto is "measure twice, cut once."

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            • #7
              don't know much on the subject, but I am aware you should never do it all in one go- if poss, over a 2 or 3 yr period as severe pruning puts the tree into shock. I think this means it becomes more succeptable to infection and may die. Also the more you cut back, you are encouraging new growth and therefore will reduce the amount of fruit produced the following year.
              We are new to fruit trees and bushes, and even with a photocopy of pruning instructions (and diagrams!) tucked under the chin, it's still a bit confusing!
              "Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple

              Location....Normandy France

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              • #8
                Pruning a neglected apple tree

                I have done this, and the result was a heavily fruiting tree with the neighbors stopping by to take pictures. It was kind of funny.

                Best time to prune is when you can fully see the branch framework.
                The key with apple trees is maintaining a decent branch structure and letting in light and air. This is done by removing the diseased, damaged, and cross-over branches, and by removing the water shoots. Water shoots are those skinny, weak vertical branches that seem to have sprung up all along a lateral branch.

                Remove all growth below where the main branches start, and pull out any suckers at the base of the trunk. Remove any branches that seem to cross over through the center of the tree.

                When you cut any branch, always cut with the blade-side nearest the side of the plant that will remain. This results in a clean cut. Make sure your tools are sharp.

                By all means, take your time. It is not like mowing the grass.

                Finally, determine the type of soil you have - clay, sand, etc. Add fertiliser appropriate for the soil. When you add fertiliser, put it along the drip line of the tree. (The drip line is about where the branches end.)

                I just love trees. So, it's great that your tree now has a caretaker.

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