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Apple tree

theannastartupNFdt4MYMtheannastartupNFdt4MYM Posts: 3
in Fruit & veg
My husband planted a seed of apple about ten years ago when we met. I need to help it (never been pruned and in a container). How and when should I prune/shape?

Posts

  • barry islandbarry island Posts: 1,847
    Has it ever had blossom and fruit on it yet? The usual way of pruning is to try and get the centre open by pruning the branches to an outward facing bud this means that the branches will grow away from the centre. I would reduce the height by pruning the tallest branches trying to keep all of the main branches roughly to the same height if possible this prevents one branch becoming dominant, the tree itself just wants to grow as high as possible whereas you want to keep it low and wide. Of course as with all pruning remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches. It may be better to leave the pruning until winter now as I don't think that there is much to be gained from pruning right now. I hope this is of some help and not too confusing good luck.
  • theannastartupNFdt4MYMtheannastartupNFdt4MYM Posts: 3
    Thanks. It has blossomed before but it lives alone so no fruit. I thought winter for cutting it but people keep mentioning cutting fruit trees on TV so thought I would check. 
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Winter pruning is best for structure but summer pruning is better to restrict growth, but it's still a bit early in the season even for that. I  would remove those large stones (are they chalk?). Fruit trees grow best in neutral to slightly acid soil. Top dress with a soil based compost,  feed with slow release fertiliser like Vitax Q4. If you want a neat finish use horticultural grit or slate on top. Keep well hydrated. In late August you might want to remove some of those lower branches to give a bit of short clear stem. Then look and see what overall shape you want.
    AB Still learning

  • theannastartupNFdt4MYMtheannastartupNFdt4MYM Posts: 3
    Thanks. Those are bits of coral from the fish tank, I'll move them! 
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