The cut in winter
The apple tree pruning in winter is usually the most important intervention of the whole year. Since the tree is in sap dormancy between December and the beginning of March, wounds from tree pruning can heal relatively quickly and without problems at mild temperatures. In addition, after being thinned out in winter, all of the tree's energy is concentrated on sprouting the remaining buds and flowers. Since no leaves obscure the view of the main branches and branches of the tree in winter, you can also better recognize and correct malformations of the tree crown at this time of year. This will make it easier for you to shape the tree and give it the size and height you want. If larger branches are removed during winter pruning in order to obtain a tree top that is permeable to light and air, the cuts must not be made exactly horizontally.Otherwise, rainwater left standing on branch stumps could create a breeding ground for various fungal diseases.
also read
- The summer pruning as a maintenance measure for the apple tree
- The upbringing pruning ensures vitality and yield in the apple tree
- Promote the development of the apple tree with one plant cut
The cut in summer
Even with the summer pruning, the branches should always be cut so that they have a compact shape with sufficient stability for a high number of fruit. To do this, the cut should always be made in such a way that a pair of buds or leaves faces outwards at the upper branch. You should also remove branches that are growing too tightly along a branch and not sticking out from it at an angle of at least 45 degrees. Summer is usually the right time to remove the water puffs that rise from the top of the tree canopy into the sky. Otherwise this would only cost the tree unnecessary energy, which it needs for the ripening of sweet and aromatic fruits. The summer pruning should not be carried out during periods of pronounced heat, and the tree must also be regularly and sufficiently watered afterwards.
The cut of the apple tree in autumn
Even in autumn it doesn't hurt to check the apple tree in the garden for any malformations. At this time, you should primarily pay attention to the following things when cutting:
- inwardly growing branches
- Fruit mummies
- dry branches
A high number of fruits can sometimes cause branches to break off under the weight of the apples. These can be recognized in autumn by their withered leaves and easily removed. Fruit mummies on the branches indicate a disease or fungal attack and should definitely be removed and removed. If branches that have grown inward are removed from the treetop in autumn, the remaining branches receive enough light in spring for new shoots.
Tips & Tricks
The tree pruning should be carried out with sharp planting scissors with a clean cut edge so that the cuts can heal well. Provide very thick branches with a suitable preparation from a specialist shop so that no pathogens can penetrate the tree.
