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Apple tree pruning

sleeve2019sleeve2019 Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi All,

We moved into our house last year and one of the previous owners planted an apple tree. It looks like it hasn't been looked after or pruned correctly. We are left with a rather odd looking tree! I would welcome any advice on how we might prune this tree? As you can see from the photos below, it has two levels of branches with a large bare section between. The branches are also rather stumpy! The tree did produce apples on both levels of branches last summer. 

Many thanks for your help.


Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Depends how you want it to look.  It's quite close to the fence, so maybe the people who planted it were intending to train it as an espalier but gave up.  If you want a longer clear trunk you could prune off the lower group of branches.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    I agree with @JennyJ I would train it as an espalier, it might take a bit of work at first but it will be more productive from a compact shape in the long run.
    AB Still learning

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