pruning an apple tree

[janeyo]

Hi I have just moved into a house and there is a fab apple tree in the garden. I know it is fab as when we viewed the house in July it was full of pink apples and we all pinched them lol.
However since they knew they were moving the owners haven't pruned the tree at all. I was wondering if I could do it now and what the effect would be and how to do it. Never done one before. I have found this site, does it sound right?

How and when to prune your Apple Tree with pictures.

I would hate to ruin the tree and would say it's several years old as the tops are prob about 8 feet high.

thanks, janeyo

[kentvegplot]

Hi there, had a look at that link. It seems OK, but maybe looks a bit too complicated.

I think there was a thread about pruning apple trees last year (hopefully someone else can find it?) but what I tend to do is 1)remove any dead and damaged material 2) remove crossing branches where they will rub and damage each other 3) try to keep the middle of the tree nice and 'open' - old gardeners will tell you that you should be able to throw a bowler hat through the middle! If the tree is too tall, you won't harm it by reducing the height, but you might lose a few flower buds which of course would become the apples.

Hope that helps

[janeyo]

Thanks, I will have a go... sure I can't do that much damage!

janey

[littlemark]

This website is even more complicated, but maybe worth a look: Training and Pruning Apple Trees

This YouTube Channel is definately worth viewing: YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Mark

[southlondongardener]

I have 4 apple trees that need pruning.

They are all 3 years old 2 M26 (one a family tree) 2 M27.
I am scared that I might damage them by doing so.

Why do I need to ? Will I get more fruit ?

Also (as I did not take pictures) how can I tell what is new growth and what is old growth ?