I was thinking about giving my apple trees a haircut tomorrow.
Is this a good time of year to do it?
Regards
QuoteWhen to prune?
Free-standing apple and pear trees or bush trees, such as those grown in an orchard should be pruned when they are dormant, in winter.
Trained trees, such as espaliers, cordons, pyramids and fans should be pruned in late August, early september.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/pruning_pruneappletrees.shtml#when_to_prune? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/pruning_pruneappletrees.shtml#when_to_prune?)
How old are the trees RW? What types? If you haven't done it before, you do need to know if they are tip or spur bearing before you start.
Bear in mind that the harder you prune now, the more vigorous the growth will be in the growing season, so before pruning, I would recommend always stand back and have a good look at the tree, walk around it and have a good think about why you are pruning.
For dramatic stuff, like cutting out branches on older trees, you may find it useful to take a piece of chalk first and mark where you want the cuts to be.
Umm-seems everything is covered. Just one reminder though,if one is taking out large branches make an under cut just near where you are going to saw. That way no bark gets stripped away
Thanks for the comments. I've done it this afternoon - 3 trees.
First one - a red apple type - a good cut of 2-3 feet of all the top branches (most of last years growth) so that I can just reach the top again.
The other 2 - green apply types - got a similar haircut at the top and also removed branches from the center to open it up and cut some lower branches which end up on the ground because of the weight of the apples.
Hopefully still get apples in 2006.
What is the difference between tip or spur bearing and how to prune them differently?
Quote from: RW on December 27, 2005, 16:25:59
...What is the difference between tip or spur bearing and how to prune them differently?
Spur bearing trees have fruiting spurs emerging along their branches, these spurs are formed over a number of years, and are a permanent part of the structure. This is why spur bearing varieties are the ones to use for cordon, espalier, and fan trained trees. You "tip" (cut a little off)the ends of main branches to encourage the spurs to form. This is a confusing term, bearing in mind the info below.
Tip bearing trees bear fruit on shoots that emerge the previous year or two. if you cut these all off, you don't get fruit. You have to do what is known as renewal pruning, that means cutting out around a third of these shoots every year, to encourage new ones to form, upon which fruit may come the next year. The ones you leave bear fruit the current year.
The stuff I am learning on this site is just staggering ...
Thank you Jen !
Jennym
very interesting have two Apple trees.....put them in this year
after the beginning of Spring.....2005
I have only removed the Dead wood...hoping they will be fruit bearing in 2006.
Should I do anything else!!
It depends how big they are Tulip, and what shape already.
If you want to train them to a shape, start thinking about it now. Put up stout posts and wire, using straining bolts. Identify the leader branch and suitable main lateral branches. The laterals should be flexible enough to tie in to the wires. If there aren't enough developed lateral branches, by tipping the leader branch you will encourage growth of more laterals.
If you want free standing, tree shaped trees, leave them alone for this year.
Jennym
Both between1mtr - 1.50mtr Tall....Spread about .50 mtr
One tree : If you go to the tip....there is an extension
Branch growing upward of 1 mtr with small side Branches !!
Should I Cut this back the side shoots about 2/3 inches
about five in total!!
Hope you can follow my drift
First, you must decide the shape of the tree that you want.
If you want to train the tree in an espalier form, I have sent you an e-mail with a sketch attached as a Word document. (I cannot change the document to .jpg format on my computer to show you here)
If you want a free standing bush tree, look at this link:
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_september_2d_apple.asp
JennyM ;)
Many thanks for your Help [ Garden Action ] have Downloaded on to a Diskette....Excellent Im sure I will glean a lot of Info from your Help.
I think Free-standing.....is it too late to Prune the Top Half now!! The Trees are beginning ther Second Year!!
Tulip - you can try if you want.
Also, there is more information on free-standing trees on the US website:
http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/CPTFP_7.htm
and a little more here about espalier trees:
http://www.crown-nursery.co.uk/esp_prun.html
Good luck!
Jennym :D
Hope it all comes together....Have now Pruned!! 8)
Many thanks for the Excellent Info....a grand Help