Why do people trim the top of an apple tree?

Without pruning, young apple trees can grow incorrectly and become overcrowded, which can negatively impact harvest production. Annual pruning of fruit trees is a must for any gardener. When should you prune an apple tree and how to do it correctly? Let's take a closer look.

Why do we prune the top of an apple tree?

Although pruning an apple tree is not an easy task, it is a necessary procedure that affects the quantity and quality of the future harvest. This process is especially important for young apple trees, as untimely pruning can lead to overloaded branches and poor frost resistance.

By correctly cutting the top, you can:

• limit the height of the tree;
• to form a compact crown size;
• improve lighting;
• have a positive impact on the future harvest;
• reduce the likelihood of crown damage by pests and various diseases.

Since apple trees are naturally prone to fruiting, regular pruning will ensure a good harvest. Apple trees of any age can be pruned, but there are a number of rules that gardeners should consider.

What types of apple tree pruning are there?

There are several types of apple tree pruning, the choice of which depends on the desired end result for the gardener:

• Formative pruning is performed after the seedling reaches one year of age, either in winter or in spring. After the pruning, the apple tree will resemble a cone, with more branches at the base than at the top.
• Regulatory pruning is performed after fruiting and helps control crown growth to prevent it from becoming denser in the future. This process is performed annually on an ongoing basis to help the tree cope with damage.
• Sanitary treatment is a procedure that can be performed at any time of year, but is most often carried out in the fall to prepare for the winter season. During sanitation, all dead branches and diseased areas are removed. In early spring, it is recommended to re-inspect the crown after the first buds have emerged.
• Rejuvenating treatment is essential to slow down aging and prolong life. Topping is performed once a year, and gardeners should remove no more than two fruiting branches.

Remember that topping causes stress on the trees, so apple trees require special care, including ample watering and additional fertilizing. If topping was performed in the spring, gardeners should add fertilizers containing phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. After the fall treatment, nitrogen should be eliminated to prevent the early shoots from dying off during the winter.