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Standard apple trees will grow big even if you prune them. You have to work at keeping them at a size where they are easy to pick from the ground. Semi dwarfs will get big (15 feet or more) if you don’t prune them. Dwarfs stay small (10 feet) even if you don’t prune them. Apple trees can be dwarfs, semi dwarfs or standard. Full grown apple trees can range in size depending on the type. This gives you a clear view of where to make your cuts. This is when it’s most difficult for disease and bugs to get a foothold in pruning wounds. The best time to cut is at the end of winter.
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I learned most of the information in this article from The Apple Grower by Michael Phillips. Pruning Tipsīefore starting on the nine steps, there are a few things you should know: This in no way affects my recommendations.
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That means if you click and buy from my partners, I will make a tiny amount of money. This article may contain affiliate links. Let’s take a sec to get the legal words out of the way.
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Semi dwarf apple trees can grow to 15 feet or more if you don’t prune. Suburban Hobby Farmerįurthermore, it’ll be harder to pick apples without damaging unpruned trees. Plus, your trees will be more susceptible to disease and getting eaten by deer (because the tasty branches will not be far enough off the ground).ĭull cutting tools will result in ripped bark or otherwise damaged branches. The simple truth is your apples won’t be as big and there won’t be as many if you don’t prune. If you are not already convinced, you should be pruning your apple trees.
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