End blossom apple tree pruning - Ask Extension
Hi,
I have 2 apple trees that when trimmed traditionally don't have blossoms or fruit.
I let a tree go without pruning for 2 years now and i see blo...
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End blossom apple tree pruning #877739
Asked July 18, 2024, 8:34 AM EDT
Hi,
I have 2 apple trees that when trimmed traditionally don't have blossoms or fruit.
I let a tree go without pruning for 2 years now and i see blossoms on the ends of new branches, not on the 1-3 year old spurs like most apple trees. Where can i get advise on how to trim this apple tree that seems to have blossoms on the end of last year's shoots?
Thanks,
Cass County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Douglas, thanks for the question.
Seems you have a tip bearing apple tree. The key here is to avoid heading cuts which will remove your buds and stick with thinning cuts on tip bearing trees. Remove your upward growing shoots those growing downward or inward. Remove dead, dying, diseased and crossing branches. Fruiting buds (produce in the previous year) are at the tips of the shoots and should be left. Thinning cuts can be used to help reduce excess growth. Check out the following links:
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=859693#:~:text=For%20tip%20bearing,of%20the%20shoots.
Tip Bearing Apple Tree Varieties and How to Prune. (gardenseeker.co.uk)
I hope this helps.
