trimming apple trees

[jjb4900]

is it ok to trim back the new green shoots this time of year? I knuckled all the branches this winter, and they're growing apples at the knuckle, but there are also new shoots growing out of the spots I trimmed......are these shoots taking nutrients away from the apples?

[phade]

I personally really hate to trim during warm weather as the chance for disease is increased dramatically.

 

If the tree is large enough to bear fruit reliably (ie not the first year or two of bearing fruit), then I'd leave it be.

[ants]

What does "knuckled" mean?? I know nothing about trimming apple trees. I usually trim off the smaller lower and or dying limbs.

[jjb4900]

What does "knuckled" mean?? I know nothing about trimming apple trees. I usually trim off the smaller lower and or dying limbs.

I'm far from an expert (not even close), but I think its when you trim back the smaller branches to within a few inches of where they branch off from the main limbs....kinda looks like "knuckles when you're done.

[ants]

Thanks….I guess I've knuckled..LOL!!

[Two Track]

I have never knuckled or trimmed my apple tree in the past 3 years since it was planted.  The deer seem to do that and eat the blossoms for me

 

Hopefully will get that fenced in soon.

 

I have a family resource regarding apple trees.  Will see what I can find out.

 

[jjb4900]

my concern is, that I have apples growing at the "knuckle", but there's also new growth growing out from the "knuckle" past the cluster of apples.....is this going to cause the apples to suffer?

[G-Man]

i wouldnt recomend trimming this time of year, sounds like they were pruned pretty heavy, this winter/early spring trim back the suckers of new growth, do not heavily trim back an apple (wild) as it will sucker profusly you better off doing int a 1/3 at a time. or the tree is heavily stressed.

 

[philoshop]

I'll second G-Man's post. Don't prune them now.

Cut the suckers back (the new growth that is not fruit-bearing) in the late fall/early winter.

[gfdeputy2]

Agree with all it is best to trim fruit trees when they are dormant I do mine in late Feb eary march here in NH

depending on where in NY you are you may want to do it earlier

[genesee_mohican]

Here is some great advice from experts:

 

http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/how-to-prune-an-apple-tree-zmaz76ndztak.aspx#axzz34zjcP9Sm

Edited June 18, 2014 by genesee_mohican

[ATbuckhunter]

Its too late to prune apple tree's now. I would prune them around February or march.