Autumn pruning instructions and tips

What does cropping give

Every gardener simply has to know what pruning apple trees gives. Apple trees are very fond of when a large amount of light enters, which is why it is sometimes necessary to thin out the crown of the tree so that air stagnation does not form inside the bush and there is a good enrichment with light. It is imperative to prune trees so that it rejuvenates and creates the best conditions for its development. Also, when the plant is trimmed, you improve the appearance of the crown and rid it of pests.

To trim, you will need the following tools and inventory:

• Special clothing;
• Gloves;
• Comfortable shoes;
• Stairs;
• Gardener's knife;
• Hacksaw;
• Secateurs;
• Chainsaw.

Trimming time

Probably every gardener, and even more so, a beginner in this business, wondered - what is the most suitable time for pruning apple trees? Can apple trees be pruned in the fall? When to prune apple trees in the fall? How to prune apple trees in the fall?

Tree pruning scheme depending on age

The most interesting thing is that both autumn and spring are the most favorable seasons for pruning an apple tree. In the spring, this procedure is necessary to remove twigs that are frozen in winter, as well as for the formation of the crown of the tree and good yields. It is better to do this until the buds appear on the trees, that is, until the sap flow has begun.

Sometimes it is worth pruning the tree in summer, but this applies to the upper, dense part of it, in order to improve the penetration of light on the fruits. Also, pruning can be done in winter - this is a lighter option while the trees are dormant. But this can be done in the southern, warmer regions, since in frost the bark of the tree becomes fragile and can be severely damaged.

Can apple trees be pruned in the fall? The answer is unequivocal - yes. You need to do this in late autumn, when the leaves have fallen.

Prune old, broken, tainted or rotten branches. Thus, you will properly prepare for the winter season.

Are apple trees pruned in the fall, and when can you prune apple trees in the fall? - late autumn, when the leaves have already fallen from the trees, is an ideal time for pruning.

Pruning schemes

You need to cut those branches that are located "inside" the tree. Also, if there are small outgrowths that grow at an angle and those that grow parallel to an already regrown branch, they also need to be removed. It is also necessary to remove those branches that touch each other, or intertwine, even though they will be in different tiers of the tree.

In this case, you need to choose the oldest, dry or diseased branch. You can already have cracked bark on it. The top of the tree needs to be thinned out, especially if it is thick. There can be both thin twigs that already extend from the tree trunk, and all sorts of large and old ones, remove everything that interferes.Thus, all small twigs, broken and cracked, knots are subject to pruning.

The pruning scheme for a fruitful plant depends on its age. It is important to consider it. The pruning of apples begins in the fall and until the moment when the juice begins to move.

The apple tree, which is already five years old, is considered mature and fruits begin to appear on it. It is also important to know that fruit will start to appear on older branches first. Over the years, the branches accumulate enough strength to withstand the fruits, therefore, when you are processing trees, care must be careful.At least half of all tree branches are old and mature.

The lower part of the young tree, where the young buds are located, does not need to be touched, but only cut off the top of the main trunk with a pruning shears - specifically, for a properly formed crown of the tree, in the future. Pruning young trees should be done with a pruner, and when the tree is old, use a well-sharpened saw.

Blunt tools cannot be used, as they will damage trees, leaving large cuts and logs, and they will take much longer. If you decide to paint over the cuts, use an oil-based paint, other types of paint will burn the bark of the tree. Also, some people use a ten to one mixture of lime and copper sulfate to “cure” and disinfect the slices.

But you definitely need to know that you can immediately process only the old trunk, but if the tree is young, you need to wait a day. It is imperative to cover the cuts on apple trees, this is necessary so that she does not lose her juices.

Young branches should be pruned as soon as the tree is planted, since the root system is not yet developed and will not be able to supply the plant with sufficient liquid.

General principles of pruning fruit trees

Having pruned it once after planting, for the next three or even five years, it may not be pruned. Not taking into account those cases when the branches have become dry, damaged or become long - then they just need to be shortened.

It is important to prune young branches correctly. When the tree is two years old, you can prune the branches, leaving two-thirds of their length. The buds remaining on the branches should look "outward" and not toward the inside of the tree. It is also an important factor in the formation of a correct and beautiful tip.

So, we have already figured out if it is possible to prune apple trees in the fall. The following describes how to do it correctly.

Pruning in the fall is divided into three pruning schemes:

• Weak

• Average

• Strong

Schemes for pruning apple trees in the fall

Also, a separate type of pruning of branches of an apple tree in autumn is considered a separate type - the removal of dried branches.

Low pruning is ideal for young trees. In this case, you need to cut off new shoots that have grown in one year. In these places in the spring, new young shoots will appear, which will form a beautiful crown with proper care.

Trees, which are five to seven years old, when autumn has come, do medium pruning on mature branches in order to create more fruit bearing ones. Strong branches should be pruned to a third of their entire length.

Removing dead branches. Shoots that have dried up must be removed. Nearby, near the trunk, branches cannot be cut, otherwise a dry twig may fall out, and a hollow will form, and this will harm the plant. To avoid this, cut the branch to the first bud (from the trunk of the tree), after which, with a saw with fine teeth, you need to saw off the resulting "stump" towards the top, starting from the base. Then treat with a "healing" solution. If the weather is wet and rainy outside, it is worth repeating this processing procedure.

Scheme of a sparse-tiered system for forming the crown of an apple tree

When the pruning of apple trees is strong in the fall, then its branches are cut to half the length. This is done for thinning between branches so that the fruits ripen better.

There are many different varieties of apples, depending on the region in which they are grown. Growing methods and tree care may also vary from region to region.

For example, in order to grow apple trees in the Urals region, they must be of late varieties and frost-resistant, since winters there are long and frosty. It is recommended to select locally selected varieties for growing fruits in that area. First of all, for the reason that they are already adapted to that climate.

In the Moscow region in the fall, pruning takes place according to the standard scheme, starting with the formation of the crown of the tree.Exist dwarf a kind of apple trees that need to be pruned in the fall to create a balance of the biological level between the crown of the tree and the root system. This species is characterized by compact size and very tasty fruits. In them, it is also very important to monitor the formation of the crown and branches.

Columnar apple trees deserve special attention. Ringlets grow around their trunk, there are few lateral shoots, so it is almost unnecessary to cut the columnar apple trees.

I hope our tips have helped you and you already know how to prune an apple tree in the fall and when to prune an apple tree in the fall.

Apple Pruning Video

A lesson in pruning fruit trees from an experienced gardener Nikolai Rabushka.