pruneing a young apple tree

[swampie sue]

Hi there,

My husband and I planted a cox's apple tree last year, the trouble is we did not know what to do with it so left it to take it's own course. This year it has produced about 30 apples but has no shape to it. My husband has tied the main centre branch of the tree to the garage to support it, A bit like a climbing rose I keep nagging him to prune it but I must confess neither of us knows how to prune this some what neglected young tree. Please can anyone tell me how and when to prune the poor thing.

Swampie Sue

[andrewo]

Apple trees or any fruit tree is best pruned young, it can be as easy as reducing the new growth by half or training it into goblet shape. There are a number of ways. The main leader can be cut back by half of the new growth, then any laterals by half too any spurs that run off the laterals (they produce fruit can be reduce also to around 3-4 buds - this is your fruit next year). Any dead or crossing branches should be removed right back to the source if possible or to a juncture. I hope this helps.

[swampie sue]

Hi andrewo,

Thanks for the prompt reply, I think I understand that, How soon can I prune the tree?

[andrewo]

Well final pruning can be done now but try and do it on a dry day, you can also prune in March but this is only to remove damage and dead wood. Try and remember that you mustn't cut the spurs off.

[swampie sue]

Thank you,

have printed off your instructions, and copy given to my husband.

He's got no excuses now.

Swampie Sue

[Alison]

Like your style but if I give my OH any plant related jobs the plant dies very soon afterwards - we've got an agreement now that he does heavy jobs, cuts the grass and if he behaves himself then he can harvest! He tried to help me repotting one year and wanted to know if the plant could survive after being split from its roots - enough to say he's a bit of a towny but I'm trying...

[swampie sue]

In My house It's me that tends to kill things that's why hubby gets the jobs.
Sadly I seem to get lumbered with the weeding.

Neither of us are great gardeners, He prefers to just cut the grass but I want to grow fruit and some veg. Trouble is I tend to be a bit heavy handed and also lack confidence which is why I think this site is brilliant

Swampie Sue

[Palustris]

This is very informative, if a lottle detailed.
http://gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_...sp#apple_prune

[swampie sue]

Wow That's Great, no excuses now.