Pruning and me don't always mix. I am a cut back if it is in the way or diseased kinda girl, and then leave them pretty much alone. On the allotment we have 2 apple trees, and I have another one in the garden. They are all covered in apples, but not as many this year as last. Should I be pruning about now, and if yes, how - in really really simple terms please - and I don't mean with a pair of lopers, I mean where on a branch. I know I am supposed to be producing fruiting spurs ???. Tis all greek to me! :-\
Only if they're spur bearers, some are tip bearers, and some are both ???
Jeremy
Who's even more confused.
Hi EJ
Google Apple tree pruning. I should be able to tell you myself, being in Kent. However, know there is summer pruning and autumn pruning and all I know is make a bowl of the tree for maximum light. About the third or fourth listing is the good one. Best of luck!
Hi EJ - this is something that become easier with experience I'm sure. Strangely, once looking at the tree in the winter your laterals, sub-laterals and fruiting spurs seem quite obvious - not so easy in the summer.
I found the RHS site useful - here is the link and another, also informative. They may help.
AC x
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0700/summer_pruning.asp
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/ag29.html