In order to grow tasty, normal-sized apples, it may be necessary to thin out the.

Apr 29, Wait until the late fall to trim your apple trees. You will want to wait until the leaves are gone from the trees for easier pruning. Be sure never to prune them after they start blooming. Also, you should never prune once the temperature goes below 20 degrees F, as this can cause the trimmed limbs to die.

When your apple tree is dormant, you can grab your pruning shears with gusto.

Leave these scaffolding branches for the basic framework of your tree.

The dormant period lasts from November until March and it marks the time before the next growth phase. For apple trees, February or March are a good time for early pruning, once the frost has melted.

Pruning promotes growth and directs energy to the desired buds. Pruning should be used to open “windows” to allow light to pene-trate throughout the tree.

When all of the leaves are exposed to more light, the tree is able to produce higher quality fruit. However, be careful not to remove too many branches, as pruning can stimulate excess regrowth. When a portion of a branch is removed, the treeFile Size: KB. How to prune an apple tree. 1. As the young tree grows, prune to the desired shape. For the first couple of years, shaping is of more importance than fruit production. 2. Professionals recommend that pruning be conducted in early summer to avoid possible fungal problems.

3. Apples tend to develop a lot of internally crossing and congested branches.