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Pruning an Apple Tree

bobloesbobloes Posts: 134
in Fruit & veg
Hi All,

I planted a 'miniature' braeburn apple tree about six years ago and the crop quality has been getting better and the quantity larger year on year.  One minor problem is that it has grown larger than I anticipated and I never truly harvest the apples at the top of the tree.  As they will be taking energy from the rest of the crop I am thinking of pruning the upper branches after the fruit has set.  Is this pointless?  Will it damage what I leave to develop?  Grateful for any thoughts?

Thanks

Bob


Posts

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923
    the time to prune is either in summer to reduce this years growth and promote side shoots that produce flowers - and therefore fruit.
    Or in late winter (about mid-late Feb) when you can sort out shape/remove unwanted growth, as long as you don't remove more that 1/3 of the tree it won't suffer.
  • the enduring gardenerthe enduring gardener Posts: 122
    If it's getting too large then summer pruning (or before the leaves drop) is advisable. Any new growth you cut off will reduce the cropping potential. best of luck.
  • bobloesbobloes Posts: 134
    Thanks for the advice.
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