18/03/2021
The fruiting life of all fruit trees can be extended greatly by keeping a well structured branch framework. The apple tree shown has been in my care for 6 years and had previously been well looked after. What to aim for...quite straightforward an open center prevents overcrowding and allows in light and air to circulate and an open main structure which again prevents overcrowding of the branches. Less is often more and in the case of fruit trees half a crop of well formed fruits with a low disease level is a good aim. Regarding fruit trees we often refer to the term "the up turned wine glass structure" this simply means keeping the branches coming down and keeping the height under control. Trim back shoots to base each year and perhaps a third of the shoots trim even harder to allow regeneration. Water shoots can form on the trunk these can easily be removed each year. There is a large window for pruning up to March is fine.
