The Juniknip is essential for healthy apple trees and a rich harvest. There are a few rules that you must follow when pruning apple trees in summer. You will find 7 rules for cutting in this guide.
In a nutshell
- in July or August
- Use pruning shears or pruning shears
- from the outside to the inside
- cut off problematic shoots
- demolish water shoots
Apple tree summer pruning: 7 rules
time
The timing is an important point of the summer pruning. Pruning is mainly used to improve fruit ripening and maintain tree vitality. Ideally, the cut should take place in the following months:
- July
- August
Never prune before the end of June, as the formation of new shoots is not yet complete at this point. That means you would have to do another pruning to cut those shoots, which would significantly weaken the apple tree. In addition to the period, you should make sure to choose a suitable day for the summer pruning that offers the right conditions:
- dry
- slightly cloudy
- not at lunchtime
tools and utensils
Various tools and utensils are necessary for the summer pruning measures so that shoots and branches can be removed as precisely as possible. The right pruning shears are particularly important. The following types are suitable:
- thin branches: anvil secateurs
- thick branches: pruning shears (with or without telescopic rod)
- optional: pruning saw
There are also various tools that make cutting easier:
- working gloves
- ladder
- optional: container for tree cuttings
Notice: Make sure that she sharpen all cutting tools before usein and disinfect. This will prevent possible injuries and infections.
Thin out
When thinning, you need to be thorough so that you remove enough material to make the crown as loose as possible. Always work from the outside in. Cut off the corresponding shoots and branches directly on the wood. Remove shoots with the following characteristics:
- perpendicular
- cross
- inside
- close together
- without flowers or fruit
- bruised
- dead
- sick
- dried out
Notice: If your apple trees have a specific shape, refresh them. The Juniknip is ideal for this measure.
Remove strong shoots
This rule only applies to apple varieties with a slow or weak growth. Since they do not develop new shoots as quickly as other varieties, individual branches often grow stronger. If that's the case, you'll need to remove these instead of the thinner branches. The thinner shoots form more fruit because they take longer to woody.
summer crack
With the summer crack, you do not use tools and simply tear off the corresponding shoots. In contrast to the cut, the wounds after the summer crack heal much faster, which has a positive effect on the vitality of the tree. However, this method is only suitable for certain shoots:
- annual
- slim
- growing vertically
- water shots
thin out fruit
Don't forget to thin out the fruit if you're cultivating apple trees for the apples. Reducing the amount of apples on the tree allows more energy to be put into fruiting. This has a positive effect on the taste, health and quality of the apples. Thin out as follows:
- beginning of July
- Reduce the infructescence to 1 or 2 apples
- Cut off the branch or shoot
Water
Don't forget to water the apple tree thoroughly after pruning. Since an ideally dry day is chosen for summer pruning, the trees are thirstier than usual afterwards. The cutting measures ensure a high loss of energy and additional watering supports regeneration. Just be careful not to flood the trees, especially if they are potted fruit.
frequently asked Questions
Why does pruning reduce susceptibility to disease?Since the crown is thinned out by the cut, more fresh air reaches the leaves, buds and fruit. As a result, the crown of the tree dries much faster, which means that fungi are less able to spread and possible infections are reduced. At the same time, fruits inside the crown ripen better because they get more sunlight.
How is the cutting waste disposed of?Depending on the amount of pruning, you can dispose of it in the compost, recycling center or in containers. When chopped up, it is suitable for compost. You can also use the individual scraps as layering material for raised beds. Large branches or trunks must be handed over or disposed of professionally. The clippings do not belong in the organic or residual waste.
Are special care measures necessary after the cut?No, after the June snap, you simply continue with the normal maintenance measures that are due over the growing season. The use of special wound closure agents is not possible after the summer pruning and can even limit the regeneration of the apple trees. Frequently, not enough oxygen reaches the interfaces.