Pruning Apple Trees

[MinnesotaMike]

I've read that one should prune Aplle trees in the dead of winter, ie: Jan/Feb.

Since we really didn't have much of a winter should I just wait until next year or would it be somewhat safe to do this now?

Thx,

Mike

[Powerstroke]

You supposed to prune during the dormant season. Anytime from Nov-March is perfectly fine as long as the tree is dormant.

Some advise to prune late in the winter so the cuts don't "dry out", but unless there is water moving through the plant, there is little water lost through transpiration. The reason to prune during the dormant season is because fruit trees, especially apples are more susceptible to diseases if pruned during the growing season.

General rules are to remove anything dead, broken or rubbing, Don't remove more than 25-30% of live material. Also, all of the flower buds are already set, so any live material you remove will reduce the number of flowers. Not a huge deal, but some people don't know that so I add it in.

[otterman91105]

I also need to trim my apple tree's. Did some research and it seems like best time is around march as long as they aren't buding. Now if i can just keep the deer of them when they start to bloom.

[Pooh]

I did mine late last fall, so I have no way to tell you if it was right or wrong. I took all dead branches. Cut my tree down by probably 25% it looks good again. I guess i will find out next summer when its set for a good bloom again.