Summer pruning

Summer pruning may not be needed every year or for every tree, but where excessive new woody growth is made, there are benefits from thinning out some of the new growth to regulate the tree. Doing this in mid-to-late summer allows more light to fall on the apples which will lead to better colour and less apple scab, you are also going to prevent the tree getting overcrowded in future years.

Big, tall growing 'standard' apple trees, the sort you hang a swing from and sit in the shade beneath, cannot realistically be summer pruned, these trees find their own balance but in any event are usually more architectural/beautiful than fruit prduction units. But for restricted forms such as cordons, espaliers and dwarf bushes, summer pruning can be very helpful and even essential. As always, think about the needs of the tree and use your judgement.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Fruitwise
• apple
• summer
• pruning
• orchard
• tree
• fruit

[telemarker77]

nice looking trees.

do you have fire blight in england.

what do you do if you do?

thanks

[stephenhayesuk]

not sure. I have read about fire blight but never seen it.

I believe if you get it you cut out and burn the affected parts ASAP!

[docrw]

Stephen, I think this is your best video yet. I'd like to see more on your thoughts around apple thinning, (number per branch) and the sort.

Cheers docrw

[stephenhayesuk]

docwr, re 'number of apples per branch' its a matter of judgment. Ball park, one apple per 2inches of twig, and beware of heavy loads which may snap branches (see more recent video on branches breaking). If your tree is carrying a heavy load and you really want to maximise the crop, you can support the load with some or other arrangement of posts and string. Modern industrial apple production is mostly done like this-its not attractive but it works. As I said before, let the tree be your teacher

[stephenhayesuk]

Thanks.

re 'is it possible to grow own root apples from cutting' in a word, no. If your cutting does take, it won't make a good tree, it will be too big, too small or just weak

You can raise your own apple trees by grafting. Buy some rootstocks, plant them in winter, and graft on to them in early spring, using scion wood which was cut while dormant (mid-late winter) and stored cool and damp until required for use. The saddle graft which I have demonstrated is I think the best method.

[Kaiaokamalie]

Good review and needed information on summer pruning.

[andrewnorris1]

Wish I had found this last year! Glad to have found it now

[tellyap]

Great advice, thanks.

I don't have a hat though, so I make sure I can throw a cat through it. Is this as good?

[Kofaii]

very good...thx 4 that!

[scrumptiousvittles]

Great video!

I'm interested in growing own root apple trees from cuttings. Do you know possible to do so with cuttings taken in the middle of the summer?