Keep the centre of the tree open by removing larger branches with a sharp pruning saw. If several large branches need to be removed, spread the work over two or three winters as very hard pruning encourages even more vigorous growth.

Reduce the height and spread of any branches that have grown too large by cutting them back to a vigorous lower branch (making sure this lower branch is at least one-third of the diameter of the branch being removed.

By pruning you are attempting to limit the number of side shoots which are produced in the current year to a similar number as those produced last year. This will produce a crop of apples for the current year while supplying a certain amount for next year.

When to Prune

A tree should be pruned immediately after planting and during winter – when the tree is dormant. For smaller bushes and cordons pruning should happen in November and December.

In the first year (assuming the tree is a year old) you should check there are at least four buds on the tree. Choose a point above these and cut off the top half of the trunk with a sharp pair of shears.

Two year old trees should be pruned from December through to February; you should prune all shoots back by about a third. Cut just past an outward facing bud so that it may provide a different facing shoot for the following year.

Happy pruning.