Content
- The right time to cut an apple tree
- The main cut in winter
- The summer cut at the apple tree
- The cut of the apple tree in autumn
- Tips & Tricks
The right time to cut an apple tree
Many fruit trees may only be cut at specific times of the year, otherwise they could be permanently damaged. Since apple trees are less sensitive in this case, different periods of time are particularly suitable for pruning.
The main cut in winter
The most important time for the annual pruning of apple trees is winter. If the branches of the apple tree are cut back between January and March, this is very well tolerated for the tree due to hibernation and a low tree juice circulation. However, when cutting in winter, make sure that thick branches do not interfere with exactly horizontal alignment.In these accumulated water, the cut edges and the tree bark would break open during frost and thus open the door for a possible fungal attack and other diseases. In the winter cut can also win by the water guns at the top of the treetop and precious rice for the variety propagation by grafting.
The summer cut at the apple tree
In particular, vigorous apple trees can tolerate an additional cut in the summer well. In the process, the water shoots and, in particularly richly bearing years, even excess fruits can be removed, even if these are too numerous to support the branches. However, the summer cut should not be done during a prolonged heatwave with great dryness, otherwise the apple tree could dry out due to the many interfaces. In any case, you should water the apple tree after a cut in the summer also extensively. The summer cut is also a good opportunity to correct winter cut errors and to make sure that fruit-bearing branches protrude at least 45 degrees from the leaders.
The cut of the apple tree in autumn
Even in autumn, the last attempt can be made to start with a vital apple tree in the next season. At this point, we will ideally remove unwanted tree components like these:
After the cut in the fall, there are also other care measures for the apple tree. Thus, a lime coating can protect the tree trunk not only from pest infestation, but also from temperature-related cracks in the bark. Even young apple trees can be easily excavated and moved in the autumn, if at the same time a sufficient parenting takes place.
Tips & Tricks
Even with the winter cut, a time with rather mild temperatures should be chosen. If it is neither hot nor cold for the season, the apple tree is best suited for pruning.