New apple tree pruning

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Bear1, Oct 31, 2022.

  1. Spruce

    Spruce Glad to be back .....

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    • noisette47

      noisette47 Total Gardener

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      Like pete said, Bear1, it's going to be a standard tree, so you can start forming the crown now. Cut the two thinner branches so they're the same length (you'll only need to cut the tip of the shortest one). Then look for a bump (latent bud) that's facing away from the other two branches on the thickest, upright branch. The bud can be as low down as you like, but it must face outwards. Deep breath and make a gently sloping cut (either sharp loppers or a pruning saw) 1" above this bud. Next spring, the bud will produce a new branch growing the way you want. Cutting the upright branch will also divert energy into the other two branches.
      So you'll have a 'goblet' shape, and cutting the main branches back in winter 2023 will give your tree a bushy crown. Then all you need to do is cut out crossing or diseased twigs, and any growing inwards, so the middle of the tree stays open.
       
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      • Bear1

        Bear1 Gardener

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        Thanks for all the advice guys , have a new pair of loppers so will get to work on it when the rain stops blowing sideways lol its a bit of an exposed site but I am determined to get fruit trees in first to bring some structure before planting anything else more delicate , glad I asked my question today beats a Google search hands down :)
         
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