Help Pruning My Apple Tree

LeadFarmer

I think I need to give my Bramley apple tree its first prune.

I bought it as a small whip of a tree about 4 yrs ago and its now about 9ft tall at its highest point. Its main trunk is about 4 ft tall before it splits. It has developed two lead branches that are looking a little too long.

Should I just cut these two back, and by how much? I know ideally the tree should grow more as a cup shape that is open in the centre, rather than an upright slender tree. Heres a photo..

 

 

 Many thanks 

 

Matty2

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=90

Follow this thread, you should find it useful.

 

nutcutlet

Don't know about apples but if it was any other tree I'd have one of those twin leaders out and train the other one upright.

LeadFarmer

Thanks

Looks like your right Verdun, Ive just watched a very good youtube video and the Bramley is indeed a tip bearer. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbHohC4FY8Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T5Wni25u-k

My understanding of the video is that I should leave those long leading branches alone.

LeadFarmer

Perhaps I'll start by pruning where Ive marked this photo..

 

LeadFarmer

Im always hesitant when pruning, but then once Ive started I cant stop!

The only problem I can see with pruning this way is that I will always only have the three brances. I really would like some more side branches so Im now wondering if I ought to cut these back to encourage more branches? Even if that means going without fruit this year?

LeadFarmer

I think thats good advice, and I will do just that. Your right, I should have pruned it sooner and I shall now have to forego some fruit in order to get the shape right.

 

Thanks very much

LF.