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Apple tree pruning
linda taylor4
Posts: 7
in Talkback
Hi, I didn't prune my Lord Derby Apple tree in the autumn as usual, now it is in bud.
should I still prune it or just leave it for this year and see what happens? Obviously I would like optimum fruiting. Any advice?
0
Posts
Thanks Pansyface,
I've had the tree about 3-4 years and have been diligently pruning and training it to make it fan over a wall. My main concern is that where previously I had all my branches horizontal to encourage small upward shoots for fruiting, I now have quite a few long vertical shoots in bud.
if the buds are breaking you're too late, if you cut it now the sap will bleed out and you might loose a young tree (or even a more mature tree if you cut too much).
I'd wait until it has flowered now, then prune as for winter and hope that you don't loose too much fruit.