![]() Prune off all the suckers that grow from the base of the tree.īranches that are crisscrossing over other branches or growing parallel to each other can be removed. If needed, you can leave a few water sprouts on the outer branches or to fill in any open spots in the canopy area. Water sprouts are vigorous, upright shoots that are formed on the scaffold branches (main branches), lateral branches, and also grow at the cut ends from last year’s pruning. Remove any water sprouts that compete with the trunk and other main branches for light. Remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches from its point of attachment. Pruning paint is not needed to dress the wounds. The pruning tools need to be sharp and clean. RELATED: Choose disease-resistant apple varieties for backyardīefore you attempt to prune fruit trees, disinfect the pruning tools with 70 percent rubbing alcohol or Lysol solution. RELATED: Gardening: How to choose an apple tree The cutoff date to prune fruit trees is before the bud break. ![]() Schedule your pruning when the weather is sunny and the temperature is above freezing. Height of the tree can also be reduced for easy access during harvest period and for better spray coverage. Pruning opens up the dense canopy that allows better air movement, light penetration, reduces pest and disease pressure, and enhances better fruit quality. Late winter/early spring is an excellent time to prune backyard apple trees.
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