It's Pruning Time for Apple Trees

(Page 3 of 3)

November/December 1976
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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Consequently, most training is now of the "central leader" type. I've heard this method described as "trying to make an apple tree look like a Christmas tree" . . . and—except for the fact that the ornaments arrive a little early—it's an apt description.

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The central leader is nothing more than the main branch that grows straight upward in the middle of the tree. Seeing to it that this bough remains the leader takes a considerable amount of care. Usually this means nipping it very little (certainly less than any side branches), so as to promote its growth.,,

Branches that emerge laterally from the central leader should be spaced a few inches apart, and spread around the trunk. (That is, they should not occur two-in-a-row, one right on top of another.)

It's also usually a good practice to eliminate "crow's feet"—or forks—from the ends of all branches. This is especially important in the case of the central leader, which mustn't be allowed to choke itself off in a short, fan-shaped spray.

PRUNING MEANS MORE APPLES

This piece, of course, is by no means intended to be a definitive treatise on the subject of tree pruning. (For that, you'll have to refer to Plant Pruning in Pictures by Montague Free, available for $6.95 from any good bookstore or MOTHER'S Bookshelf.)

Nonetheless, if you apply the basic rules I've set down here, you should find yourself next summer with a yard or orchard full of stronger, more beautiful, and healthier apple trees . . . each of which could easily be loaded with an extra bushel or two of juicy red-or yellow-splotched bounty.

The way I see it, pruning is one gardening idea that can't help but bear fruit!

CAUTION!

Never attempt to prune a large tree singlehanded. Limbs are often heavier than they appear . . . and if one gets out of hand, it could easily cause severe property damage and/ or personal injury. Also bear in mind that a misstep while climbing a tall tree—or a momentary loss of balance while making a cut—can lead to disaster.

If you have any doubts about your ability to trim a tree, seek the services of a professional. (Look under "Tree Service" in the Yellow Pages.) A tree surgeon's fee may be high . . . but the alternative might be a $100-a-day (or more) expense during along stay in the hospital.

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