I have planted 2 apple trees grown from seeds taken from the NM artist Georgia O'Keefe's apple tree in Abiquiu, NM. They are about 2' tall and have no side branches. Will they grow side branches automatically or is there some sort of pruning I should do next spring to encourage this growth? Right now, there is nothing to prune. Chris
I am not an expert or anything on pruning, but if you cut a little bit off the top above a bud, it should sprout a couple branches to the side.
Thanks, but I am still wondering if branches will develop naturally or if I should do as you say. Chris
Unless you have a columnar apple tree, cutting back the leader while the tree is still dormant will encourage it to branch out. Snip off the top 1/4 of the seedling, assuming it's three feet tall, give or take, preferably just above a bud.
Another opinion: there is no need to prune an apple tree that small. It will naturally develop side branches when it gets taller and will grow faster without pruning at this stage. I would discourage, i.e. prune out, any side branches that develop lower than 4-5 feet, unless you want a short, bushy shape for your tree. I like to be able to walk under the branches for ease of picking fruit and mowing the grass. I also like to plant flowers around the base of my fruit trees, and the higher side branches allow more light into that area.
Well, guess what. I pruned the two trees back yesterday a little bit. However, in the location where I have them planted, I prefer that they remain a little smaller, so this early pruning may be OK in the long run. Thanks for your reply.
