As you start to think of Spring time weather, you may begin looking around the yard making a to-do list to accomplish. One of those looming tasks may be finally “attacking” that old apple tree. Late February in to early March is a perfect time for pruning.
Apple trees that are not pruned for several years will often produce so many branches that little energy is left for fruit production. Overgrown apple trees are also difficult to harvest and spray. Gardeners who have such a tree are often at a loss as to how to get it back in shape. Ward Upham, Horticulture Specialist with Kansas State University, provides these recommendations for pruning your apple tree back in to shape.
Often the best recommendation for such a tree is to make one pruning cut at ground level and start over with a new tree. However, trees may have sentimental value that will make revitalization worth the time and effort. Realize that this will be a multi-year process because no more than 30 percent of the tree should be removed in one year. Here are some steps to follow:
Severe pruning often will cause an apple tree to produce vigorous side shoots from the trunk called suckers. Main branches will also produce water sprouts that grow straight up. The suckers and water sprouts should be removed throughout the growing season so the center of the tree stays open. Do not wait until spring to prune out water sprouts and suckers as this will stimulate the tree to produce more. Removing water sprouts and suckers is the most time consuming and difficult practice necessary to bring an overgrown apple back into shape.
The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity institution.