Afternoon. We have family that have purchased a property that has a number of fruit trees (mainly apple). They have been left for a few years. Keen to prune and start caring for them again. Wondering if anyone can give some advise about where to start. We have read about not taking too much off (less than 25%) but unsure after that. Any advise would be appreciated - thank you
It would be better if you combined your three identical posts with different trees into a single post with a title that’s more descriptive than “advice needed” – maybe “Pruning advice for established apple trees on newly purchased land” would probably get more people with the relevant experience to click on it.
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He’s limited to one photo per post right now, so he had to spread them out.
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They could have still been in the same thread at least.
That’s a good point.
I couldn’t work out how to do that apologies
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That tree is a bit more on the wild side with the trunks. I would embrace the trunks and trim the side growth. And open the center. But I’m fairly novice.
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Agree, looks like an open vase- keep trimming it as such, rather than trying to convert to a central leader structure (which would require to take too much off)
What is your main concern? I assume there must be a good reason for growing the tree so tall. Do you have deer browsing? If not I would prefer to take most of that top grow off and regraft lower scaffolds so it’s much more assessable without a ladder.
Dennis
Kent, Wa
You can always start by…
Removing any dead or damaged wood.
Branches that cross or crowd or shade excessively good fruiting wood below.
Let the sun and air… flow and penetrate.
New growth… for example last years growth that goes near straight up or down.
Good Luck !
TNHunter
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