Schemes and timing of pruning apple trees in the fall

What does pruning

Every gardener simply must know what pruning apple trees gives. Apple trees are very fond of when a large amount of light enters, which is why it is sometimes necessary to thin out the crown of a tree so that air stagnation does not form inside the bush and there is a good enrichment with light. It is imperative to prune trees so that it rejuvenates and creates the best conditions for its development. Also, when a plant is cut, you improve the appearance of the crown and rid it of pests. 

For pruning, you will need the following tools and inventory:

• Special clothing;
• Gloves;
• Comfortable shoes;
• Ladder;
• Gardener’s knife;
• Hacksaw;
• Secateurs;
• Chainsaw.

Trimming time

Probably every gardener, and even more so, a beginner in this business, wondered – what is the most suitable time for pruning apple trees? Can apple trees be pruned in autumn? When to prune apple trees in autumn? How to prune apple trees in autumn?

The most interesting thing is that both autumn and spring are the most favorable times of the year for pruning apple trees. In spring, this procedure is necessary to remove branches that have frozen in winter, as well as to form a tree crown and good yields. It is better to do this until the buds appear on the trees, that is, until the sap flow begins.

Sometimes it is worth pruning a tree in the summer, but this applies to the upper, dense part of it in order to improve the light on the fruits. Also, pruning can be done in winter – this is an easier option while the trees are at rest. But this can be done in the southern, warmer regions, since in frost the tree bark becomes brittle and can be severely damaged.

Can apple trees be pruned in autumn? The answer is unequivocal – yes. You need to do this in late autumn, when the leaves have fallen.

You need to cut off old, broken, damaged or rotten branches. Thus, you will properly prepare for the winter season.

Are apple trees pruned in autumn and when can apple trees be pruned in autumn? – late autumn, when the leaves have already fallen from the trees – the ideal time for pruning.

Pruning schemes

You need to cut those branches that are located “inside” the tree. Also, if there are small shoots that grow at an angle and those that grow parallel to an already grown branch, they also need to be removed. It is also necessary to remove those branches that are in contact with each other, or intertwined, even though they will be in different tiers of the tree.

In this case, you need to choose the oldest, dry or diseased branch. It is possible that it already had cracked bark on it. It is necessary to thin out the top of the tree, especially if it is thick. There can be both thin branches that are already moving away from the tree trunk, as well as all sorts of large and old ones, remove everything that interferes. Thus, all small branches, broken and cracked, knots are subject to pruning.

The pruning scheme of a fruit-bearing plant depends on its age. It is important to take it into account. Apple pruning begins in the fall and until the moment when the movement of juice begins.

An apple tree that is already five years old is considered to be formed and fruits begin to appear on it. It is also important to know that fruits will start to appear on older branches first. Over the years, the branches build up enough strength to bear the fruits, so when you do the processing of trees, care must be taken with care. At least half of all branches of the tree are old and mature.

The lower part of the young tree, where the young buds are located, does not need to be touched, but cut off only the top of the main trunk with a pruner – specifically, for a properly formed crown of the tree, in the future. Pruning young trees should be done with a pruner, and when the tree is old, use a well-sharpened saw.

Blunt tools should not be used, as they will damage the trees, leaving large cuts and logs, and they will take much longer to tighten. If you decide to paint over the cuts, use an oil-based paint, other types of paint will burn the bark of the tree. Also, some people use a mixture of lime and copper sulphate to “treat” and disinfect sections, at the rate of ten to one.

But you definitely need to know that only the old trunk can be processed immediately, but if the tree is young, you need to wait a day. It is imperative to cover up slices on apple trees, this is necessary so that she does not lose her juices.

Young branches should be pruned as soon as the tree is planted, as the root system is not yet developed and will not be able to supply the plant with sufficient fluid.

Having cut it once after planting, over the next three or even five years, it can not be cut. Not taking into account those cases when the branches become dry, damaged or become long – then they just need to be shortened.

It is important to properly prune young branches. When the tree is two years old, you can trim the branches, leaving two-thirds of their length. The buds remaining on the branches should look “out” and not into the inside of the tree. This is also an important factor in the formation of a correct and beautiful top.

So, we have already found out whether it is possible to cut apple trees in the fall. The following describes how to do it correctly.

Pruning in autumn is divided into three pruning schemes:

• poor

• Average

• strong

Also, a separate type of pruning of apple tree branches in autumn is considered a separate type – removal of dried branches.

Light pruning is ideal for young trees. In this case, you need to cut off new shoots that have grown in one year. In these places, new young shoots will appear in the spring, which form a beautiful crown with proper care.

Trees that are five to seven years old, when autumn comes, are pruned medium on mature branches in order to create more fruit-bearing ones. Strong branches should be cut to a third of their entire length.

Removing dead branches. Shoots that have dried up must be removed. Nearby, near the trunk, branches cannot be cut, otherwise a dry knot may fall out and a hollow will form, and this will harm the plant. To avoid this, cut the branch to the first bud (from the tree trunk), after which, with a fine-toothed saw, you need to file the resulting “stump” towards the top, starting from the base. Then treat with a “healing” solution. If the weather is wet and rainy outside, it is worth repeating this processing procedure.

When the pruning of apple trees in autumn is strong, then its branches are cut to half the length. This is done for thinning between branches so that the fruits ripen better.

There are many different varieties of apples, depending on the region in which they are grown. How trees are grown and cared for can also vary by region.

For example, in order to grow apple trees in the Ural region, they must be of late varieties and frost-resistant, since winters there are long and frosty. It is recommended to choose varieties of local selection for growing fruits in that area. First of all, for the reason that they are already adapted to that climate.

In the Moscow region, pruning occurs according to the standard scheme in autumn, starting with the formation of the tree crown. Exist dwarf type of apple trees that need to be pruned in the fall to create a balance of the biological level between the crown of the tree and the root system. This species is characterized by compact size and very tasty fruits. It is also very important to monitor the formation of the crown and branches in them.

Columnar apple trees deserve special attention. Ringworms grow around their trunk, there are few side shoots, so there is almost no need to prune columnar apple trees.

I hope our tips have helped you, and you already know how to prune an apple tree in the fall and when to prune apple trees in the fall.

Video “Pruning an apple tree”

A lesson in pruning fruit trees from an experienced gardener Nikolai Rabushka.