Can you kill an apple tree by over pruning? When you have a prized specimen in your orchard, this question has likely crossed your mind.
As Knoxville’s expert tree trimming service, we at Pro Tree of Knoxville know a thing or two about fruiting varieties and their maintenance needs. Keep reading as we break down the nitty-gritty details and help you make informed choices for your living landscape.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Pruning, when done right, allows for better air circulation, ensures optimal sunlight exposure, and encourages healthy growth. Remember, though, that moderation is key.
Lopping off too many branches without strategic planning leaves a plant vulnerable to pests and disease and negatively impacts its future growth. At best, you end up with a weak, visually unappealing tree that barely produces fruit, or worse, you may send it to an early grave.
Pruning Advice to Consider
Can you kill an apple tree by over pruning? Minimize the risk by adhering to these industry-recommended tips:
Know Which Branches to Cut
While every tree has varying needs, a few good rules of thumb can guide the process. Pruning the tree should involve removing:
- Dead and diseased branches and anything that looks withered or in an advanced state of decay
- Suckers, or the useless sprouts that grow at your tree’s base, consuming energy that would otherwise go to fruit production
- Crossed branches that can rub against each other and create wounds
- Low-lying limbs, as they invite critters to dine on your fruit and barely get any sunlight
Use the Right Equipment
Sharp cutters will ensure smooth snips that impart minimal stress. Use a good quality pruning saw for thicker branches and bypass pruners for the smaller ones. Always wipe your tools with a disinfectant before moving on to the next tree to prevent the spread of disease.
Pick the Right Time of Year
The best time to prune your apple trees is while they are dormant, ideally late winter to early spring. This helps prevent disease spread and allows the specimen to recover faster during their growing period.
It’s a Case by Case Basis
Mature and young trees, much like a person, have their own unique set of needs and conditions. This truth is particularly pertinent when it comes to apple trees.
Variables such as variety, health, and local climate all play a significant role in determining the optimal trimming strategy. So, while we’ve shared some broad-stroke advice, your particular tree may require a more bespoke approach.
Consult a Local Arborist
Can you kill an apple tree by over pruning even if you’ve followed the advice given so far? Potentially, yes. When in doubt, leave complex tasks like this to the professionals.
At Pro Tree of Knoxville, we understand the science and art of pruning, ensuring that your specimens will continue to thrive and produce mouth-watering fruit each season. Call our team at 865-294-0062 today.
Visit the rest of our blog and learn what to do with a tree with hanging branches.