How to prune an old apple tree? What is important to know and what is not recommended to do? An experienced arborist agreed to answer these and other questions for us Leonardas Mekionis from «Arborists of the Academy».
Furthermore, together with him we shot this video where you can see the pruning sequence and what you need to pay attention to. Click to watch this video or read below:
- how to prepare for pruning;
- what is the sequence and how to prune an old apple tree;
- what is important to know when renovating old fruit trees.
Why prune old fruit trees?
Over time, in a small 6-acre vegetable garden, even one old apple tree begins to take up more and more space, and there are usually several of them. The branches stretch upwards, the fruit becomes increasingly difficult to reach. Therefore, advice and video instructions from an experienced arborist will help you if you want to reduce the volume of old growing apple trees and lower the canopy of the trees so that you can harvest the fruits more easily. At the same time, it is important to thin out the branches so that the inner branches receive more sunlight, so the harvest will be more abundant and of better quality.
Read more
Christmas outdoor lighting: 3 practical tips from a designerPreparation for pruning
Since an old tree is pruned by climbing it, proper preparation and clothing are essential. For this you will need:
- helmet;
- eye protection;
- gloves;
- straps (so you don’t fall from the tree if you slip or break a branch);
- shoes (with rigid soles for correct support on the tree).
Good, and undoubtedly necessary stairsto reach at least the first branch of the tree.
How to prune an old apple tree?
Let’s start pruning the tree from top to bottom. Why? Well, if we fix the bottom first and then cut the thickest branch above, as it falls, it can break the only remaining branch below. So it will be several years before we create another replacement branch there. Meanwhile, when we start pruning from the top of the tree, we can knock down the branches without worrying about where they will fall or what they will break.
If the tree to be pruned is too tall, how to properly cut the top? If there is only one of these I cannot just take it and cut it. However, our video instructions show exactly how to properly lower a tall tree without damaging it. In this case the pruned apple tree has decreased by a good one and a half metres! Anything is possible if the work is done correctly and well thought out.
Read more
How do you know if you will survive the winter?How to choose which branches to delete?
First we remove the branches which are:
- Dry;
- intersecting;
- returning to the canopy of the tree.
In most cases, pruning is sufficient.
However, if the tree to be pruned still seems too thick, we simply try to thin out the foliage using logic. For example, of the three branches growing side by side, we leave two and cut the third.
The compaction of the branches leads to greater morbidity of fruit trees, which is why it is necessary to shape the foliage so that it is well blown by the wind.
Read more
Growing Broccoli From Seeds: Try It Yourself!At the same time, it is necessary to collect mummified (dried) fruits remaining on the branches – this is one of the indicators that the tree is too dense. If we prune the tree properly, there should be no more such mummies in the following season.
How do you cut very thick branches?
It is very important that when cutting branches, the wounds would be as small as possible. When cutting thicker branches, there is a danger that if you cut off a large part of the branch, it may break under its own weight, tearing away the healthy wood and worsening the wound. So it is better to cut a thick branch in 3 stages:
- we make the first cut 2 inches from the point where the branch must be cut;
- then we remove the rest of the branch;
- and with only 2 twigs left, the branch is cut in the right place.
How to properly cut a branch, you can watch a short video dedicated to it, Click here.
To apply or not to apply?
How to care for tree injuries that occur after trimming
Read more
Nurseries in Poland and «Green is life 2024» exhibition: my impressionsAn experienced gardener quickly wants to apply garden cream to the tree, while others just put paint on the wounds. However, as stated by L. Mekionis, it is best to avoid such treatments for the tree.
A healthy and well-trimmed tree can heal its injuries on its own over time, covering them with new layers of bark. In the meantime, using paint or garden oil often prevents the tree from healing naturally. Frequently, if you remove a layer of grease or paint after a couple of years, you might find decay underneath. Therefore, our suggestion is to prune the branch and leave it be!
What about lichens and mosses?
It is not uncommon for a gardener to think that lichens and mosses are harmful to fruit trees. But it turns out that the presence of lichens only proves that you and your apple tree breathe very clean air! Neither lichens nor moss affect the health or yield of the tree. If you really don’t like the look, you can simply rub the lichen with your fingers.
Cancer requires more serious attention. If you see that its focus appears on one branch, then the entire diseased branch should be cut off. If the wound is on the trunk, the damaged part should be scraped down to the hardwood, and then hope that the tree is strong and heals itself.
When to prune an old apple tree?
On this issue the opinion of L. Mekionis is perhaps the most unexpected. In Lithuania it is customary to prune apple trees in early spring. However, according to the arborist, apple trees can be pruned when there is time or desire. It may be worth refraining from pruning when the fruit has already ripened. We wait, we harvest and then we can prune.
latest posts published
how to recognize the problem and how to save your lawn
Growing Peas for Beginners: Here’s What You Need to Know
3 ways to clean the gaps between pebbles – without chemicals!
Collecting sprouts: the most common mistakes
my review on the greenhouse harvest –
Which plants and how to cover the garden at the end of winter?
Take care of the graves in autumn, so that they are beautiful even in spring
what you will find in Lithuania if you decide to try it
English style: how to create one in Lithuania
