Instructions for pruning an apple tree in summer for novice gardeners

Experienced gardeners pay attention to the apple tree in any season. In order for the tree to produce a large harvest, it requires summer pruning. Without it, the apple tree runs wild, and the fruits gradually lose their quality, since greater density prevents ventilation and the penetration of sunlight deep into the crown. Whether it is possible to prune a tree in the summer and how to do it correctly, you will learn from the article.

Is it possible to prune an apple tree in July?

It has long been believed that pruning should not be done in the summer, but this is not true. At this time, it is easy to determine which shoots do not bear fruit.. Proper removal of branches stimulates the development of new buds and prevents the tree from growing excessively.

Crown formation in summer allows you to ensure that all fruits are evenly illuminated by the sun and have enough airA. This directly affects their size and taste. By removing fast-growing branches that do not contain apple trees, more nutrients will flow to the fruit.

Reference. Even old trees respond well to summer rejuvenating pruning.

The essence of the work is to remove all unnecessary shoots, branches and even buds. They take in nutrients during development. If thinning is done, nutrition will be redirected to the fruit.

Is this necessary?

Pruning an apple tree in the summer is not necessary, but is advisable, especially if unnecessary branches were not removed in the spring or autumn.The procedure is sanitary and preventive in nature, helping to improve the quality of the crop.

When to prune an apple tree in summer

It is best to cut branches after the growing season has ended.. If the procedure is carried out earlier, new shoots will begin to grow, which will reduce the size of the fruit.

Early ripening varieties of apple trees are pruned at the end of June. At this time, remove all large shoots that remain from the fall. Oversized branches are cut to 1 m so that more nutrients are supplied to the fruits.

Late-ripening varieties are pruned at the end of summer. After removing all large branches, young non-fruiting shoots are also disposed of.

Favorable days

Experts do not recommend performing the procedure on a rainy or hot day.. In the first case, rain will wash away the protective layer applied to the cut; in the second, the trees will recover poorly after the procedure.

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Types of pruning

There are these types of pruning:

1. On the ring. A ring bead is found on the branch and a cut is made diagonally above this place. There are many regenerating cells here, so the wound will heal quickly.
2. On the kidney. The procedure is carried out if partial removal of the upper part of the shoots is required. For thinning, leave a bud that is located in the center and looks at the outer part of the crown.
3. Step by step. Carry out when removing a large branch. If you cut it right away, there is a possibility of severe damage to the tree. First, near the trunk ring, an incision is made in the lower part to half the thickness. The same one is made a little higher on the top side. Cut the branch between two cuts at an angle.

How to trim a tree correctly

Before carrying out work, the tree is carefully inspected, thickening, non-fruiting and damaged branches are identified.. When pruning, adhere to the rule of the golden mean. If a large number of branches are removed, the yield will be greatly reduced; if pruning is insufficient, the desired result will not be achieved.

Required materials and tools

The main tool is a pruner. It is used to remove shoots up to 2 cm thick. If the branches are thick, use a lopper, as it is much stronger. A lopper differs from a secateur in that it has longer handles. For branches that are too thick, use garden saws.

Before starting work, the instrument is washed and treated with any antiseptic.

Trimming schemes

There are several trimming schemes:

1. Restorative. They clear away diseased and crookedly growing branches.
2. Rejuvenating. Remove old branches.
3. Formative. They create a crown of strong shoots that bear fruit well.
4. Regulatory. This pruning is carried out to reduce growth and thickening.

Pruning is divided according to intensity level:

• pinching - to slow down the growth of one-year-old seedlings;
• weak - remove a quarter of each branch to stimulate the growth of fresh shoots;
• medium - carried out for adult apple trees, in which a third of the shoots are removed;
• strong - thin out the crown by cutting off most of the branches.

Step-by-step instruction

Apple tree pruning in summer is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Shorten the trunk (central branch) by about 1.5 m.
2. Remove all shoots that grow inside the crown. These branches shade the apple tree and become a breeding ground for pests and various diseases. As a result, the tree takes the shape of a bowl.
3. The lateral skeletal branches are trimmed. Their maximum length is 2.5 m.
4. Remove all shoots growing inside the crown.

Features of pruning depending on the type of tree

In addition to the usual varieties, the site often Dwarf and columnar apple trees are planted. Their summer pruning is done like this::

1. Only the side branches are removed, and the central conductor is not touched.
2. Cut so that 3-4 eyes remain. As a result, 3-4 strong layers will grow from them.
3. On mature apple trees, branches that actively bore fruit in the previous season are removed.

Depending on the age of the apple tree

For old apple trees, rejuvenating pruning is carried out in the summer. Especially in cases where the fruits are small and tasteless, and the length of the new shoots does not exceed 30 cm.

Vertically growing branches with an angle of departure less than 45°, broken and intersecting branches are removed. The remaining processes are shortened by 50%. This procedure is carried out every 3 years.

On mature trees, fattening shoots are removed and the ends of all other branches are removed.. Green shoots are cut off before they become woody. The cut is made at the base. This prevents the formation of new shoots that will take food from the fruit.

When pruning young apple trees in summer, it is important to monitor the internal illumination of the tree.. Remove excess shoots that shade the crown, leaving fruit-bearing branches.

Depending on the growing region

The timing of pruning is selected taking into account climatic conditions and variety specifications:

1. Early ripening varieties and trees growing in temperate climates are pruned at the end of June. At the same time, rejuvenation and thinning of old apple trees, dwarf and columnar varieties is carried out.
2. Late-ripening varieties and apple trees grown in the Urals and Siberia are pruned in mid-August.
3. In the southern regions, apple trees are pruned in June or August.

Note! If there is any doubt, the best option is to prune in August, regardless of the variety or region.

Further care of the plant

After completion of formation, the sections are carefully treated with garden varnish.. If it is not possible to make this remedy, use copper sulfate or oil paint. This prevents the juice from leaking out. This way, open wounds will quickly heal and the tree will recover.

Read also:

Apple tree leaves turn yellow in June: what to do

Beginner's Guide: How to Plant an Apple Tree in Spring

Advice from experienced gardeners

If you follow the general recommendations, the pruning process will not cause difficulties.

Useful tips from experienced gardeners:

1. Pruning is carried out only on a suitable day. It shouldn't be hot and rainy.
2. Use only sharp instruments. This way the tree is less damaged.
3. Removing young shoots does not harm the apple tree, but prevents the formation of a dense crown.
4. Large branches are cut several times. No more than 1/3 of the length is removed at one time.
5. Be sure to cut off competing shoots.
6. Each cut is treated with garden varnish.

Conclusion

Summer pruning helps the tree produce a rich harvest. It is important to take into account the timing, which is determined by the climate of the region and the variety of apple tree. Particular attention is paid to the pruning pattern, depending on the age of the tree.