Pruning advice please

8 years ago

So I ventured out today to prune the apples trees for the first time. I'm a little late - rain, rain and more rain had delayed me, but still I was surprised to see buds swelling already. The quince even has a few blossoms starting to open -- early this year!

I've done my research and knew to prune off crossing, inward growing, and water sprouts. Still, I didn't feel sure of myself. This is the first year I am pruning since the deer have devastated the trees in the past -- this past year I've managed to keep them away so they've put on a lot of growth. (I have 5 dwarf apples in ground, and several more dwarf, semi and standard in pots and barrels.)

Here's my question -- I have 2 trees that have what may be water sprouts that are well developed enough that I am just not sure -- I would like your opinion on which (if any) to remove. Here is the first tree, pics taken from front (branch in question is on the right)and back (it is on the left):

This second tree has 2 branches that I question, but it also seems to be double trunked. What should I do with it? These pics might be harder to see what I mean -- I took the best shots I could:

I'll appreciate any advice -- thanks!

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Comments (5)

David Taylor
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The first tree, I'd take out the vigorous verical branch (on right then left), all the way back to the main trunk leaving no stub.

For the second tree, I have to wonder if one trunk is the desired variety, and the other trunk might either be the desired variety or might also be the rootstock sending up a giant "sucker". My guess is that both are what you want, but the tree was simply planted too deep with the graft union underground, in which case you can just take one of the two out, your choice, or even leave them both, however then you will run into issues a year or two down the road when the trees are bigger and they are constantly bumping into one another. Anyway... not knowing at this point whether one tree is the kind you want while the other might not be, it *might* be best to let both of them fruit before making your final decision. Just leave them for another year or two. If they already fruited last year, then you'll already have this answer and can eliminate one as needed.

Good luck!
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio thanked David Taylor
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you, David! After reading your response, I went out and remove the mesh to take a good look. I think it may be the rootstock that continued to grow but not sure -- took a few more pictures for you. It is just the way that the 2nd trunk originates that makes me think so. I can't remember what the tree looked like (if it had that 2nd trunk starting) when I planted it several years ago -- it has not blossomed to date. Here are the pics:

Thanks again for your help
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Konrad..just outside of Edmonton Alberta
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Looks like both are growing above the graft...cut the one going sideways.
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio thanked Konrad..just outside of Edmonton Alberta
David Taylor
8 years ago
The graft union is the large bulge right at the surface of the ground. Therefore both "trees" are the desired variety, and you can and should remove the one growing out more sideways as previously discussed by Konrad and myself.

Cheers!
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio thanked David Taylor
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks to you both! I will be posting again for some hand holding as I try grafting some of the prunings onto two dwarf rootstock that I have. It is pouring rain again so I will wait until I can take pics -- hope you will help me then too.

The willingness of you all to help learners is so wonderful!