{"id":5597,"date":"2025-12-23T16:48:49","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:48:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/?p=5597"},"modified":"2025-12-23T16:48:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:48:54","slug":"how-to-prune-an-apple-tree-a-video-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/how-to-prune-an-apple-tree-a-video-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prune an apple tree &#8211; A video guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1280\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 720 \/ 1280;\" width=\"720\" controls src=\"http:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/11BD5E75-3C5B-430A-9E86-40241F7D9A8D.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Click video to start<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pruning an apple tree doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. The aim is simple: create a&nbsp;<strong>balanced, open structure<\/strong>&nbsp;that allows light and air to move freely through the tree, while encouraging the formation of fruiting buds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a tree is reasonably healthy and not in need of full restoration, it\u2019s important&nbsp;<strong>not to remove more than one third of the canopy in a single year<\/strong>. Pruning too hard can cause the tree to respond by producing lots of fresh green growth, which won\u2019t produce apples for a couple of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At GardenAdvice, when we are renovating very old or neglected apple trees, we may prune back by more than a third. In these cases, the following year is spent&nbsp;<strong>selecting and thinning new shoots<\/strong>&nbsp;to rebuild a strong, productive structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding What to Prune<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summer Shoots (What to Reduce)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Summer shoots are long, green shoots produced during the growing season. These&nbsp;<strong>do not carry fruiting buds<\/strong>&nbsp;initially and are the main targets for pruning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduce summer shoots by\u00a0<strong>between one third and two thirds<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These shoots will eventually develop into fruiting wood if managed correctly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fruiting Buds (What to Keep)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fruiting buds are easy to spot once you know what to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Short, stubby shoots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often have visible\u00a0<strong>rings at the base<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These buds will produce flowers in spring and apples later in the year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal of pruning is to&nbsp;<strong>retain and encourage as many fruiting buds as possible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remove Problem Wood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While pruning, also remove:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dead wood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damaged branches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diseased growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crossing or rubbing branches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Canker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Canker often appears as a gnarly or sunken area on a branch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If it occurs\u00a0<strong>midway along a branch<\/strong>, it\u2019s best to prune it out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swelling or knobbly growth at the base of the tree (especially near the graft) is usually not a problem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tree Shape Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple trees fruit best on&nbsp;<strong>horizontal or gently angled branches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commercial orchards sometimes weigh down branches to encourage this shape. You can apply the same principle when pruning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Avoid strong upright growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aim for a balanced, open canopy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Horizontal branches produce more fruiting hormones along their length, not just at the tips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter Protection &amp; Pest Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the leaves have fallen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply an\u00a0<strong>organic winter wash<\/strong>\u00a0(such as Vitax Winter Wash)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This oil-based wash runs into cracks and crevices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It kills overwintering pests and eggs before they re-emerge in spring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Winter washing is best done in colder months, when bees are less active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional pest-control measures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply\u00a0<strong>grease bands<\/strong>\u00a0to the trunk to stop crawling insects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hang\u00a0<strong>pheromone traps<\/strong>\u00a0in spring to control pests like codling moth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sow\u00a0<strong>calendula around the base<\/strong>\u00a0of the tree to support natural pest control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feeding &amp; Watering for Better Crops<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply\u00a0<strong>a couple of handfuls of Growmore<\/strong>\u00a0in winter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Winter rain will wash nutrients down to the roots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In spring and summer, use a\u00a0<strong>liquid tomato feed<\/strong>\u00a0(high in potash) to support flowering and fruit development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In a dry spring, water the tree after flowering once fruit starts to form<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A few watering cans can help the tree hold onto its fruit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This can increase yields by\u00a0<strong>up to 25%<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid overwatering, as this can cause fruit to split<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Final Reassurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is&nbsp;<strong>no single \u201cperfect\u201d way<\/strong>&nbsp;to prune an apple tree. Despite the huge amount of conflicting advice online, apple trees are very forgiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you get it wrong one year, the tree will recover \u2013 and you\u2019ll always get another chance next season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Task Checklist: Basic Apple Tree Pruning<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pruning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prune no more than\u00a0<strong>one third of the canopy<\/strong>\u00a0in a single year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify and reduce\u00a0<strong>summer shoots<\/strong>\u00a0by \u2153\u2013\u2154<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep\u00a0<strong>short, stubby fruiting buds<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prune out canker if found midway along a branch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aim for an\u00a0<strong>open, airy structure<\/strong>\u00a0with good airflow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shape &amp; Structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage\u00a0<strong>horizontal branches<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce strong upright growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain a balanced canopy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply\u00a0<strong>organic winter wash<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fit\u00a0<strong>grease bands<\/strong>\u00a0to the trunk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pest &amp; Plant Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hang\u00a0<strong>pheromone traps<\/strong>\u00a0in spring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sow\u00a0<strong>calendula<\/strong>\u00a0around the base of the tree<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feeding &amp; Watering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply\u00a0<strong>Growmore<\/strong>\u00a0in winter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use\u00a0<strong>liquid tomato feed<\/strong>\u00a0in spring\/summer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water in dry springs once fruit starts forming<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Click video to start Pruning an apple tree doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. The aim is simple: create a&nbsp;balanced, open structure&nbsp;that allows light and air to move freely through the tree, while encouraging the&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5598,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5597","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fruit-garden"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5597","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5597"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5597\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5598"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5597"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5597"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5597"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}