Plant Talk

[BlackJoe]

I have 3 apple trees that i dont think have ever been pruned / cut back.  The fruit comes every year without fail.  The trees are starting to lean heavily due to the growth of branches, and when they are full of fruit the branches are touching the ground.  Is it too late to start trimming them back.  Are there any publications (online or book format) that i can access to show me how to cut them back.  Look forward to any help or suggestions.

[gardengail]

Hello Blackjoe,

My name is Gardengail and I work for The Home Depot in the garden section. One of the best books I have found for all-around use is the Sunset Western Garden Book.

Prune  mature trees in the dormant season, remove weak ,poorly places or dead limbs, clear out the center of the tree so some sun can reach the inside of the tree. Spur-type apples will produce on the same spurs for up to 20 years.

Since your tree is fruiting well, you are doing a lot of things right, congratulations!!

Hope this helps,

Gardengail