Planted this apple tree earlier this year. I think it needs to be pruned but I don’t want to just jump in and a start butchering it. Any experienced gardeners here able to offer some guidance on how much to take off?
Depending on the type of tree you have will decide when you should prune. If it’s a magnolia, leave it alone!! They flower before the leaves come back and you will ruin the display. A lot of deciduous trees can be pruned in winter while dormant, especially if you have any branches that are crossing/rubbing against each other as that’s how infections can set in on damaged wood. As it’s still a fairly small tree I’d be inclined to leave it and see.
If and when you do prune, always snip just above a bud or node so that it’s fresh growth ready to show off and not a bare stick.
macraignil
No more than 25% should be removed to avoid over vigorous regrowth. First take out any material that is dead, diseased or damaged. Then branches that might be crossing and in time rub off each other and cause damage to the tree could be removed. Aim to open up the tree to allow free flow of air to allow good ripening conditions for fruit in time. With a tree that size I’d only be making a handful of cuts at most. Posted a video about [pruning here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DLVqsRXeUs).
Happy gardening!
mushy_cactus
It’s to early to touch it.
Late February when leaves are just about to start, take the lower branches off. Useless.
Your goal is to have a clear centre, no over lapping / crossing branches and consistentcy. When you take the height from it, don’t over do it, keep everything the same height / length. A max of 25% should be pruned off.
When it’s fruiting you can also cut off water sprouts or non-producing branches to help more energy get to the fruit. But again, not a lot.
4 Comments
Leave it alone during winter
Depending on the type of tree you have will decide when you should prune. If it’s a magnolia, leave it alone!! They flower before the leaves come back and you will ruin the display. A lot of deciduous trees can be pruned in winter while dormant, especially if you have any branches that are crossing/rubbing against each other as that’s how infections can set in on damaged wood. As it’s still a fairly small tree I’d be inclined to leave it and see.
If and when you do prune, always snip just above a bud or node so that it’s fresh growth ready to show off and not a bare stick.
No more than 25% should be removed to avoid over vigorous regrowth. First take out any material that is dead, diseased or damaged. Then branches that might be crossing and in time rub off each other and cause damage to the tree could be removed. Aim to open up the tree to allow free flow of air to allow good ripening conditions for fruit in time. With a tree that size I’d only be making a handful of cuts at most. Posted a video about [pruning here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DLVqsRXeUs).
Happy gardening!
It’s to early to touch it.
Late February when leaves are just about to start, take the lower branches off. Useless.
Your goal is to have a clear centre, no over lapping / crossing branches and consistentcy. When you take the height from it, don’t over do it, keep everything the same height / length. A max of 25% should be pruned off.
When it’s fruiting you can also cut off water sprouts or non-producing branches to help more energy get to the fruit. But again, not a lot.