How to Prune an Apple Tree

When pruning an apple tree, you are trying to accomplish two tasks: bringing sun to the ripening fruits and encourage new fruit growth. Knowing how to properly prune an apple tree can make a difference in the fruit yield you get in the upcoming harvesting season.

• Remove any dead branches. Dead branches will be brittle and will break away from the tree easily. Also remove any branches that look diseased. This includes branches with pest problems, moss and mold.


• Remove branches that are not productive. Some branches may exist to impede the ability of other healthy branches. Examples are branches that grow from the base of the tree or branches that encircle other branches. These branches will not produce fruit and should be removed.


• Prune any branches that are about four feet or less from the ground. These branches are too low to receive the proper amount of sunlight necessary to produce fruit.


• Check the tree for any branches that may cause problems in the future. This includes branches that are starting to grow too low or branches that are beginning to grow downward.


• Find the one main branch. Your apple tree should have one main branch with many productive smaller branches coming from the main branch. Any other large branches may not be as productive as your main branch and should be considered for removal.


• Look at the interior of the tree. You will want to prune away any branches that look too small or too weak to hold fruit. The more you cut away from the interior, the more chances strong healthy fruit has to grow.