Pruning boosts tree health and fruit production by improving airflow and removing weak branches.
Key Steps:
Remove the central leader, leaving 4-5 scaffold branches.
Make cuts just above outward-facing buds.
Limit pruning to 20% of the tree to prevent overgrowth.
Formative Pruning:
Year 1: Cut the tree by one-third to encourage branching.
Year 2-4: Prune new growth and focus on shaping the tree.
When to Prune:
Winter for apples and pears, summer for stone fruits.
With these basics, your apple tree will thrive! π³