How do I prune this? (apple tree)

16 years ago

This is my first year with these trees... I put them in beginning of may and didn't realize that I had some pruning that should have been done when I put them in. Had I cut back the central leader I wouldn't be having the problem I have right now...

There is two branches about 2 feet up the tree (approx 4 inches from each other) and then there are NO branches for about 18" or so and then there are a few branches coming out at the very top of the tree. It appears to have dormant looking buds up the central leader in that 18" of nothing but they have never done anything. there is no new sign of growth going on. Do I head back the central leader? is there something else I should do to encourage those buds to spring forth new growth? Its getting a little late here since I should have done this a month ago so I need to act fact I assume so that new growth hardens off before winter, right?

I'm in zone 5.

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Comments (3)

brandon7 TN_zone7
16 years ago
I never prune my trees during their first growing season (except for dead, diseased, or rubbing branches). I'd wait until late winter and prune then. The tree will have a chance to become established and you'll be able to tell more about what you are doing (without the foliage).
sheeshshe1
Original Author
16 years ago
the guide the local orchard gave me was specific to prune during the first year. this is why I did this. there was specific directions on what to do when, but I didn't do it when I first planted and now I'm not sure if I need to chop the header or what. All I know is that it isn't growing new branches like the other trees are.
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athenainwi
16 years ago
I don't worry about shaping the tree the first year. The first year is all about roots, not branches. As long as the tree has leaves and seems to be doing fine otherwise, let it grow roots and take care of the shape next year.