Time to get pruning!

[G-man]

Pruning old apple trees  . I tend to start pruning  in mid febuary .

Best time to prune is  late winter or early spring . Doinf so can rejuvenate them and improve fruit quality! (From my opservations deer seem to prefer trees that have been pruned and fertalized) you may want to pick  that tree closest to your stand  blind.

. The goal is to reduce overcrowding, remove dead branches, and create an open structure that allows light and air to reach the entire tree. 

 

When to prune

• Prune when the tree is dormant, usually in late winter or early spring. 
   

• Avoid pruning in the summer when the tree is actively growing. 
   

What to prune 

 

• Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches

• Remove branches that cross or grow parallel to each other

• Remove branches that grow toward the center of the tree

• Remove low-hanging branches. I like to mow /bushhog under my trees so I prefer 5 ft  for lowest  limb. 

• Remove suckers from the base of the tree

• Remove vertical branches, which are not fruitful

• Remove water sprouts, which are rapidly growing shoots that develop on larger branches or the trunk

How to prune

• Cut branches right above a bud that will grow in the desired direction 
   

• Leave the collar, or ring, at the base of the branch intact 
   

• Remove up to 25% of the canopy in one year 
   

• Spread out pruning over multiple years if more needs to be removed 
   

Benefits of pruning Improves fruit quality, Reduces pests and diseases, Makes the tree easier to manage, and Makes apples easier to harvest if you want or just leave for game.