Columnar Apple tree lost its vertical stem - Ask Extension
I have a columnar Apple tree about 5 years old or so! A couple of years ago it lost its vertical stem in a storm and it now growing sideways! There ar...
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Columnar Apple tree lost its vertical stem #700846
Asked July 14, 2020, 6:32 PM EDT
I have a columnar Apple tree about 5 years old or so! A couple of years ago it lost its vertical stem in a storm and it now growing sideways! There are 2 small branches growing vertically. Can I prune all the sideways growing branches this fall or will I kill it? The first photo if the normal columnar growing next to the horizontal one. The next picture is the abnormal tree. Help!! Thank you so much!!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
You can prune apple trees into almost any shape. the only thing I would be concerned about is where the graft on the columnar apple actually is. As long as you are getting the same variety of apple on all directions, prune to maintain the columnar shape.
Thank you!!