[ Overview] Order] [Neglected Trees] [Stubs]
Chapter VI. Pruning Neglected Apple Trees
In pruning a neglected tree, it is better to prune moderately for two or three years, than to prune heavily one year and neglect the trees again for years.
Neglected trees are often too tall and bushy. Prune to open up and shorten the tree. The process of pruning a neglected tree can be broken down into the following three steps.
Remove dead, diseased, and dying wood
Remove all limbs that are dead, diseased, or dying. A badly neglected tree will have many dead limbs to be removed. Cutting them out will do a lot to open up the tree and make it look better. Remove any stubs that were left from previous prunings of the tree.
Lower the height of the tree
Lower the height of the tree by no more than 5-10 feet in one year. Cut the branch off to a major lateral. If there are no large laterals cut the branch back to where it joins a limb.
Reduce overcrowding
If you have not removed much wood while topping the tree, then prune the rest of the tree as normal.
A good rule of thumb to follow while pruning a neglected tree is that you should not remove more than one third of the wood on the tree. Don't be afraid to cut out a major limb or two, but if you do, then prune the rest of the tree less severely than normal.
After being pruned, a neglected tree will often send out many water-shoots. Prune most of these water-shoots off during early summer while they are still young and tender. They will then not need to be cut off the following spring when they are large and tough.
Section Summary
Prune moderately and regularly to remove dead wood, lower the height of the tree, and reduce overcrowding.
[ Overview] Order] [Neglected Trees] [Stubs]
Interested in selling your own electronic book on the Web? Contact:
Lofthouse Publishing
Post Office Box 1999
Eagle, Idaho 83616
all rights reserved
