Posted: 11/8/2014 9:10:17 PM EDT
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My parents bought some land that has a small Apple orchard on it, about 20 trees. The trees are 20 to 25 years old, but have not been pruned for probably 15 years. The few apples we picked that weren't full of bug's tasted good. Questions 1. Is it worth it to try and prune these trees? 2. How do you prune them if we decide to? |
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Yes, it is definitely worth pruning them. I always prune with an eye to how the tree is going to look three to four years later on. Basically, you want to try to save as many of the larger branches as possible, as well as those that are growing closer to the ground. If all you've got to work with is basically the trunk - No problem. You can grow decent fruit bearing branches from nothing more than an apple tree's trunk, too. If you've had insect damage to the crop, next spring remember to start dusting the orchard for incipient pests. (You can find the pesticide information you'll need on-line.)
There really is no such thing as a, 'bad apple orchard' that needs to be cut down; there are only apple orchards that haven't been properly cared for. |
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You want the tree to have a kinda Christmas tree shape when your done. Not pointed but the lower limbs stick out further then the next whirl above them and so on. Don't be afraid to run a chain saw and hack the shit out of them. Try to get them down to like six or so vertical leaders and then thin out the side branches on those until your whorls going up your leaders are about 2-3' apart. Clean out the insides of the trees pretty well. Cut your leaders down to about 14' tall.
On an old unpruned tree don't be afraid to cut over half the tree off. If you saw how much tree we used to cut out in commercial orchards you would be shocked. The worst thing you can do is leave too much of the old heavy wood in the tree. |
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Last place I rented had a small orchard on it. I ran some searches and wound up on some boards where landscapers had discussion forums and they had lots of excellant info. I never messed with trimming the trees because the landlord had put a thing in the lease where I was liable for all damage I did to trees. So if I trimmed them and tried to help them and something happened, it would be my fault. If I did nothing and mother nature broke branches and all sorts of stuff, it was not my fault. Just one of the reasons I moved on from that place. Even if the apples don't taste that good you can wind up using them for cider, hard cider, apple pies, or other odds and ends. I considered a deer attractant and had deer all through that section of the yard all the time. |
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http://www.isons.com/pdfs/Isons_Apple_Tree_Planting_Instructions.pdf
This has some info on pruning apple trees, including a short section on how to prune "neglected" unruly trees. |
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Pruning is definitely in order. Not so much for the fruit, but for overall tree health.
If they have gone that long without pruning, Pollarding might be in order, to re-establish shape and stimulate new growth. Older, heavier limbs draw more resources, and are less productive, than younger limbs that are shaped to draw more light. General info on pruning for health. MSUE Tree pruning Some general guidlines for newish tree fruit hobbyists. MSUE Frut trees Fruit tree pruning guidelines. MSUE Fruit tree pruning guidelines Get them pruned this winter once the soil temp drops below 50 degrees, and you'll see a flush of vibrant growth in the spring. With a little Fungicide, some mowing and weed control, and a spritz of pesticide now and then as needed, they can come right back. Who knows, they might be an old variety that is coming back in vogue. If nothing else, they are always a good snack. 
Good luck!! |
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Quoted:
I didn't think you could pollard an apple tree. Severe pruning. Might as well be a Pollarding, and in most cases definitely is. It takes a couple years to get them back into production, but in many cases, it's better for the tree in the long run. With todays varietys being smaller, and in younger orchards, the practice has faded commercially. |