Pruning apple trees - any useful resources?
Hello,
I have two apple trees in my garden, a type of crab apple, and an 'Elstar' (which is growing as an 'espalier')
In my other thread, it was noted that they required thinning - I am also thinking they probably need a prune of some sort?
Has anyone come across any resources that are very very simple to follow?
I have watched a few videos, and read a few articles, but to be honest, i'm still struggling to understand 100% - maybe theres a good book I could read? A lot of terms are unfamiliar to me, which is why I think I'm struggling.
Also, I think my trees need different methods - the espalier grown Elstar looks like it probably needs a light trim, whereas the crab looks like it needs more attention.
Thank you!
I have two apple trees in my garden, a type of crab apple, and an 'Elstar' (which is growing as an 'espalier')
In my other thread, it was noted that they required thinning - I am also thinking they probably need a prune of some sort?
Has anyone come across any resources that are very very simple to follow?
I have watched a few videos, and read a few articles, but to be honest, i'm still struggling to understand 100% - maybe theres a good book I could read? A lot of terms are unfamiliar to me, which is why I think I'm struggling.
Also, I think my trees need different methods - the espalier grown Elstar looks like it probably needs a light trim, whereas the crab looks like it needs more attention.
Thank you!
0
Posts
Harry Baker’s “Growing Fruit”.
https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-prune/john-cushnie/9781856268851 (looks as if you'll have to go to Amazon for it).
https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2010/jan/03/john-cushnie-obituary
Edited to add a link: http://www.rhsshop.co.uk/productdetails.aspx?id=10000574&itemno=9780241282908
LG_ yes, its so much easier watching someone do it, but then every tree looks different! Thank you for the suggestion, quite a few to consider
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=212 and this is about shortening the softer new growth.
More formative pruning of fruit trees (other than plums and cherries) is done in the winter
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=90
Plums and cherries should be pruned in May/June when the sap is rising and the tree is in active growth to prevent them contracting Silver Leaf disease.
Hope that helps to make sense of it