Prunning & Other Issues

[greenjelly]

Last year we planted our little orchard with some new apple trees - bush type on M27 root stock from Ashridge Nurseries. It was our intention to grow organically and surround our trees with grass and wild flowers. We were determined not to use horrible sprays and washes.

Well a year on and our little trees have grown fabulously - we took off last years blossom and pruned as per the instructions.

I would welcome some advice about pruning this year - how much to prune off, are we too late? Also the books and articles I've read tell you to use some kind of wash - is this organic and could we get away without doing this?

I'm sure there are some knowledgeable people out there with the answers.

[WendyC]

Can't help with pruning advice but if you add your location to your profile, it might help someone else to help you!

[TrialAndError]

I would forget all about the "wash", let the wounds close themselves. I would definitely wait for a dry and not freezing cold day to prune on - even in the UK there are usually a couple every month!

As far as pruning goes there are some basic rules - prune to a wine goblet shape - keep the centre open and uncluttered - prune away any crossing branches - prune to an outward facing bud - prune away any diseased wood to clean wood. Roughly speaking on a two year old tree prune away 20 -30% of last year's growth. Apple trees fruit on last year (and older) wood so don't prune too hard or you will prune away all the fruiting growth for next year.

[boundtothesoil]

how much to prune off, are we too late? Also the books and articles I've read tell you to use some kind of wash - is this organic and could we get away without doing this?

I get my apple tree pruning done by the end of February, preferably during a dry spell of weather as TrialAndError says, and definitely before any signs of bud burst.

As far as winter tree washes go, I've never bothered, but there's a good discussion of their pros and (mainly) cons on the link below.
Spraying Apple Trees Against Pests- advice please? | Fruit Forum