Tree pruning

[Rowski]

Was wondering if anyone had some good links to tree pruning. I have some spruce (knee high) and LOTS of wild apple trees. The spuce are just for looks. I would like to see the apple tree produce more fruit. These apple trees have not been touched for over thirty years and some are very tall not bushy.

Thanks

Derek

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Rowski on 9/25/00 09:09 PM.</FONT></P>

 

[gordon]

Unsure if this is what your looking for but under subjects there are a few good things also they have alot of links. State extension offices for forestery as well. Here is the link http://forestry.miningco.com/science/forestry/
Gordon

 

[Rowski]

Basically for pruning the spruce so have a nice even taper (xmas tree look).

As for the apple trees the friut they produce very small fruit both in amount and size. I'm thinking that if I try to prune then they may produce some better friut. I don't really want spray the apple trees as they are just being used for the wildlife to feed on. Thanks for the link, I'll read through it.

Derek

 

[gordon]

For the spruce use a very sharp machette and chop away.

For the apple trees do your pruning in stages over the next two or three years thinning down the limbs each year. That will put alot less stress on the tree rather than cutting it back all in one year. Don't do a haircut on the tree leave some limbs longer than others you don't want a real pretty looking apple tree if you want it to be productive.

Also you could do a search on a multi-search engine and get alot of good answers or links that way as well. http://www.askjeeves.com/ use pruning trees or pruning fruit trees.
Good luck
Gordon

 

[Bird]

I guess you have a County Extension Agent like we have in Texas, and if so, he/she will have a lot of literature on the care of fruit trees at least, and probably the spruce, too.

Bird

 

[Daniel]

I prefer machete's but unless you have used them a fair amount pruning shears would be advised. safer of course and you will be less likely to butcher them. If you use a knife keep your other arm behind your back, perhaps your hand in the back pocket. have seen many newbies at trimming get bad owies reaching out a hand while swinging the knife. not a pretty sight.

 

[alan40]

Hey Derek, UVM has a web site for there apple orchards. Just search for University of Vermont and it will come up as part of there page. They also have a site called Virtual Apple Orchard. I also have a book from them on Low-input Sustainable Apple production. It has pruning instructions inside. I'll give it to you Saturday night. Still pushing out termite traps, Al

 

[Will]

http://willow.ncfes.umn.edu/HT_prune/prun001.htm is an excellent source for pruning information.

 

[gordon]

Thanks for the great link I bookmarked it!
Gordon

 

[richh]

Will GREAT link thank you.
Rich