Start with those on the underside of branches as fruit there will struggle to ripen. On well established trees, thin out any congested fruit spurs.Do remove any growth that is heading towards the centre of the tree, reducing air and light.Side shoots, known as laterals, should be left over winter to produce fruit buds.Keep checking the tree’s overall shape before you make any more cuts.Cut to a good, outward-facing bud, making a slanted cut down and away from the bud to prevent rain pooling on it.On spur-bearing trees, reduce the length of main branches by about a third.Start by removing dead, diseased or weak growth and any branches that are crossing.It’s important to make clean cuts that will reduce the risk of introducing disease.įor standard apple trees you should aim to create an open, goblet shape that allows the maximum amount of light down into the tree and good air circulation. To prune your apple tree you’ll need a good set of steps, a pruning saw and sharp secateurs. Image: Apple 'Appletini' from Thompson & Morgan Aim for an open goblet shape that allows plenty of sunlight to reach and ripen the fruit
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