Hi, My apple trees have sprouted a lot of vertical growth (I pruned in late winter). Can I prune off these shoots now? There are lots of apples down below the new growth. Would pruning divert strength from the apples? This happens every year. Is there a way to avoid all this extra vertical growth? Thank you
Hi again Johnny--I just pruned similar growths on my Spartan apple today, I believe it is a good idea and the correct time. Read thru this B.C. apple experts explanation...http://derrysorchardandnursery.ca/p5_pruning.html
Head back in summer, thin in winter. If you are getting a forest of vertical shoots after winter pruning you are pruning too hard. Trees constantly trying to grow above desired height are not on sufficiently dwarfing rootstocks. If you want apple trees less than 10'-12' tall you need ones on fully dwarfing rootstocks.
Thank you both for the info. My trees are about 65 yrs old and about 10-12 feet high. The sprouts are about 12 to 18 inches and getting longer. I like the idea of summer pruning. I also have an Italian plum which I can prune at the same time. Does the same rule apply only remove 1/3? Makes for a rather uneven look, like a bad haircut but willing to try to get a grip on the water sprout problem. I also have two 30 yr old Montmorency sour cherry trees (30') that have been overhung by a huge white poplar. Have managed to prune back some of the poplar to allow in more light. Will the bare inner branches leaf out again in the next few years? I love this site. It's a fantastic resource. Thanks again, Johnnyjumpup
Venue not completely suitable for hashing over fine points - although good pictures of your trees might help quite a bit. Next maybe try pruning/fruit tree web pages, agriculture agency publications and pruning books (these last can be found at bookstores and libraries).
Thanks for replying so quickly. I really have to read up on how to post a photo on this site. Unfortunately, a complete idiot vis a vis technology.
