Apple tree trimming

[justin_time]

This post is for Brian (Little's) but whoever can help me trim this tree would be a big help.

__________________
Justin Pitre
Just in Time Yard Services

[Little's]

Lawn care business tips

Hi Justin. I hope this helps. The idea is to promote the apples to grow on the old growth of the tree. So you want to remove all the vigorous upright shoots. And do some good thinning. This is important especially if it hasnt been maintained yearly. Sell your customers on the importance of having this down EVERY year by you and they will have the best apples they have ever eaten from their tree. I suggest you watch this video from Martha Stewart. She owns the most impressive apple orchard I have ever seen. And you may learn something from her long time gardener. Follow this link, then click on the watch video button in the middle of the screen. http://www.marthastewart.com/article...003d370a0aRCRD This first picture should give you an idea of what I would cut off. But you will need to do more extensive cutting than just what Ive shown. This next picture is what a properly pruned apple will look like when you are done. And after many years of proper cutting. Note that all the branches are old growth, and low growing. It should have the look of an umbrella when you are done.

__________________
Northern California

[justin_time]

So your saying all upright branches... even the big ones should be cut ? Do you work from the bottom to the top I would imagine ?

Thanks for helping me out, hopefully it will be 1 more or 2 more weeks till the snow is gone and I may start then. When i can pull up my trailer and pick up the branches that way.

[Little's]

Well the large upright ones should have been cut when they were small and vigorous. But now that they are considered old growth, they will be ok for fruit, but you can still cut it for a better visual appeal, or leave it. That is where it becomes up to you. if you have 2 large branches too close together, then you can cut one for thinning. It is all subjective and up to you.

Keep these rules in mind, and try to picture a visually appealing outcome before you start.
1. Promote fruit growth from old growth.
2. Keep crown thinned.
3. Remove vigorous uprights (not the same as old uprights)
4. Keep branches growing low.
5. Try for a good visual appeal.
6. Remove anything dead or diseased.

Also, did you watch the video I linked above? It is a must see.

[justin_time]

Yeah I sure did.

The picture you took is kind of hard, with the glare.. so If you don't mind showing me a few more cuts from the close up pic (the last one, where you see the transport in the back) That would help me alot.

[Little's]

Kind of hard to tell in the pics what wood is what, but the idea is to remove the new growth, and leave the older growth. The tree will look WAY thinner when you are done. once you start cutting, you will see what I mean.
Just try not to cut too much of the old growth, unless it is necessary for room, branches rubbing.

I don't really know anything about trimming trees myself but remember my dad talking about apple trees need to be open enough that you can through a bushel basket through it. I never understood why, but what Little said makes sense.

Eli

[justin_time]

I trimmed my apple tree today, I will have some pictures later. I had to stop due to rain.