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This is a discussion on Apple Tree Pruning within the Orchards forums, part of the Fruit Tree Support Fourm category; Hi there, I planted a bare root apple tree last fall.* It's now summer and there is plenty of green ...
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Hi there,
I planted a bare root apple tree last fall.* It's now summer and there is plenty of green growth.* The top branch that I thought would be my central leader has grown a side branch that is now more vertical than the original branch.* My question is:* Which branch should be my central leader?* Should I prune one off ?* If so, should I do it now or wait for the dormant season? I've attached a photo of the tree to illustrate. Thanks, Lorenzo Dodaro |
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Hi Lorenzo,
It appears that the "new more vertical branch" could be your new leader.* You will need to make sure it's not a water sprout.* These links have loads of info on pruning fruit trees along with some good pictures.* I would suggest you read through the 'Phisiology of Pruning Fruit Trees' and then read the second link, 'Training and Pruning Apple Trees'. http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/treefruit...5/422-025.html http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/treefruit...1/422-021.html This site also has some great info, but the sketches might be better for you. http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/CPTFP_7.htm When you prunde often depends on where you live.* The first two sites are from Virginia.* From this link: http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/treefruit...1/422-021.html Quote:
__________________
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant. |
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Thanks for all the info, Newt.* Unfortunately, my specific problem doesn't come up in any of the literature.
I don't think the new branch is a watersprout because it is a couple inches away from the head cut.* Do you think I should cut this new branch off or make it my new central leader?
Lorenzo |
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Lorenzo, I'm sorry it's taken me a bit to get back to you, but I have been thinking about your tree and doing some research.* Unfortunately I haven't come up with a definate answer.* Here's my thoughts.
Quote:
Note figure 14 here. http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/CPTFP_7.fig14.GIF Figure 15 here shows a similar situation that existed on the top branch on the left of the tree. http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/CPTFP_7.fig15.GIF Quote:
Since you mention the potential shape of the tree after pruning, I have another question for you.* Are you growing the tree for fruit production or as an ornamental and whatever fruit you get is a plus?* The reason I ask is because pruning for fruit production and pruning as an ornamental are done differently. Newt
__________________
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant. |
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