Prune apple trees

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Pruning is a very important process as its stimulates blooming and fruiting of the trees. Find out when and how it must be done. 

For pruning you will need a hand pruner, a pruning saw and a telescopic pruner for high branches. 
 
As a general rule, apple tree pruning must be made in late autum or early spring, the last being the best as the tree wound is left open little time before going green and start repairing the wound. 
 

To ensure the safety and the strength of this tree over time the angle at which the main branches come off the trunk is real important. We try to shoot for an angle of 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. You see these lower four branches are approximately those angles and they will be strong over time.

Use hand pruners to cut back the unwanted shoots that grow near the base of the trunk, called "suckers". All of these shoots must be removed up to the base of the main canopy to encourage a good shape. 

The angle at which the main branches come off the trunk is very important as it ensures the strength of the tree over time. So an angle of 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock is best because horizontal branches can break under the load of fruits, thus damaging or worse - killing the trunk. This is why horizontal branches must be cut back. 

Damaged, diseased or discolored branches must be removed with an angle cut so rain can drain off. Otherwise the branch will rot and affect or kill the trunk. 

Crossing branches are bad. Because they prevent the tree from growing into a vase shape, that looks more attractive and help wind pass. Crossing branches "help" the tree catch airborne diseases and infect branches they tub. 

Help the sun reach the top center of the canopy so prune branches that clog the center of the canopy.