Trimming Apple Trees

[JoePa]

I usually trim my apple trees during January and February but because of the deep snow I didn't do it this year - I was wondering if it is too late to do that now that it is March - what's your thoughts - thanks

[osbmail]

I don't see much harm in light pruning anytime of the year.There is probably more sap flowing now depending on your weather.You will reduce you potential fruit.That is usually a good thing you will get less fruit but bigger fruits.I would try and do any heavy after leaves drop.

[jwal10]

I prune my trees here in Dec and take out any winter damage now. My trees are just budding out and I can see any freeze damage, now. I will trim some after set to keep good air circulation and limit the fruit....James

[northergardener]

You can prune apples until the tree starts to leaf out, in my opinion.

[Alder]

I usually do it about now, and with these warm days coming, I'd best get busy.

[copperpennykids]

Our pruner guy (professional orchardist) came yesterday to prune all of our fruit trees. Temps are 50 during the day and 30-32 at night.

No problem.

Generally pruning will bring on a flush of growth unless the trees are dormant. Why you don't want to prune in Oct/Nov, but shouldn't be a problem right now.

[7thswan]

I'm pruneing right now. 6 kinds Apples ,2 kinds pears,2 kinds peaches,nectarines,3 kinds plums,4 kinds cherrys, apricots, mulberrys, Hazelnuts. Even the raspberrys,grapes,,,Blackberrys and Blueberrys will get pruned when I see what the winter kill has done. I never clean out my beds ect until spring. The leaves break down,feed the soil and protect the plants.

[motdaugrnds]

I've been reading about the differences in apple trees, i.e. some fruit on the ends of the branch and some fruit on the branch itself, the latter to be used for creating an espalier (mispelled) fence. This tells me the pruning, whenever it is done, needs to take this into account.