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CORVALLIS, Ore. – You can prune an apple tree any time of the year without hurting it, but late winter, just before spring, is probably best. The worst of the cold weather is past, so you won’t be subjecting the fresh cuts to severe icing, but you’ll still be able to influence the tree’s spring growth.
What month is the best month to prune apple trees?
Apples, pears and quinces (pome fruits) Standard apple trees – those with a central trunk – should be pruned when the tree is dormant in winter. Ideally between November and early March. Trained apple trees, like espaliers and fans, should be pruned in summer.
How do you prune apple trees in Oregon?
Remove dead, dying and diseased limbs first. Take out crossing limbs and remove limbs that grow down or straight up. Clear out the center of the tree, and prune the top of the tree more heavily than the lower portion. Only take out one-third of the limbs at once.
What time of year should apple trees be pruned?
The most important time to prune is late winter, before you see any signs of new growth. Prune off damaged limbs as well as branches that grow too close to the main branches. Thin out crowded and crossing twigs.
Should apple trees be pruned every year?
As a fruit tree matures and begins to bear fruit, it still should be cut back each year. Shoots growing upright can shade the center of the tree, which reduces fruiting. Those shoots can be removed either in summer when they are 4 to 6 inches long or in winter, when the tree is dormant, and they are longer.
Can I prune an apple tree in April?
Although apple tree trimming may be accomplished any time of the year, late winter to very early spring is most advisable (March and April), after the worst of the cold snaps to minimize possible injury due to frost. It is also a good time to prune diseased or damaged areas of the apple tree as they become visible.
Is it too late to prune an apple tree?
When to prune apple trees Standard apple trees are mainly pruned in winter, between November and early March when the plant is dormant. Winter pruning stimulates root growth. Trained apple trees should be pruned in summer, with just a tidy up during winter if required. Mid- to late-August is ideal.
Is it OK to prune apple trees in summer?
Summer is a good time to remove older branches, according to Patterson, because it is then obvious which branches are producing best and which should be pruned. Summer pruning also allows you to get rid of branches that are showing signs of damage or disease as soon as you spot them.
What happens if you don’t prune apple trees?
During a high wind or a severe storm, dead or dying branches are easily ripped from the tree. When a tree isn’t pruned properly, the branches can grow too close to power lines or windows. If left unpruned, branches may cause damage to the side of your home or even break a window.
When should you prune fruit trees in Oregon?
“November through March is a good time to prune,” he said. “If you are worried about winter freeze damage, wait until after Feb. 1, which is the best time to prune in western Oregon, and March 15 east of the Cascade Mountains.” Following are his general rules of thumb about pruning fruit trees.
What month is best to prune fruit trees?
Pruning Fruit Trees in Winter Dormant means “sleeping,” and that’s what your trees do until spring arrives. What all fruit trees have in common is that the best time to prune them is during the dormant season, with late winter being ideal.
What month is late winter?
When is Late Winter? Late winter is 4 to 6 weeks before spring thaw begins. This could be any time in January to May, depending on your climate. Use your average last frost date and count back.
Is it OK to prune fruit trees in winter?
When is the best time to winter prune? For apple and pear trees this is best done between November and March, while the tree is dormant and preferably during dry, frost-free weather. Winter pruning encourages strong spring growth, and the lack of leaves means you can better see the structure and shape of your tree.
Should I tie up apple tree branches?
Bending and tying branches are good ways to balance shoot growth and fruiting, especially in apple and pear trees. Both types of growth are needed: the fruit for us to eat, and the leafy shoots to nurture the fruit. Young apple and pear trees commonly put too much energy into shoots.
How much can you cut back an apple tree?
You should not remove more than 25% of the tree per year or it will try to repair the damage by producing too much new growth. All the cuts you will be making at this stage will be thinning cuts. First remove any dead wood, it will be obvious from its appearance and lack of buds or new growth.
How do I take care of my apple tree in the spring?
Start by removing all damaged and diseased branches. Also cut out watersprouts, which are rapidly growing upright branches that tend to clog up the center of the tree. Also remove suckers arising from the base of the trunk. Application of dormant oil is another early spring activity to consider when growing apples.
