It is possible to restore most old apple trees into a management state.įirst, you should ask yourself if the tree really is worth saving. One of the common questions regarding old apple trees is how to prune them to bring them back into production and improve fruit quality. These trees are often very biennial producing a large crop in one year followed by very few fruit, or none at all, in the following season. Typically, these trees have been neglected for several years and are dense, vigorous beasts that produce poor quality fruit with erratic regularity. Old apple trees are commonly found on farms and rural properties throughout Nova Scotia. Pruning is part of the training program.įor more information on pruning and training apple trees including:ĭownload article at Pruning & Training Apple Trees or contact the NSFGA office.īy Chris Duyvelshoff, Horticulturist, Perennia The objective of the training is to develop a framework that effectively displays a large surface area of the tree canopy to full sunlight and will support heavy crop loads. While some training may be necessary after the tree comes into production, this activity is largely confined to the non-bearing early years. Training refers to the development of the structural framework of the trees.
In each case, the choice will depend upon the starting conditions and what the objectives are. However, there is no confusion if you remember that there is no one best way to prune.
This can be bewildering to even experienced growers. There are many styles and methods of pruning. A good understanding of the training system, just what pruning can do and of what limitations are imposed by the nature of the tree is therefore important if one is to obtain the desired production and fruit quality from the orchard. However, they can also be the cause of problems. These techniques can help to prevent or overcome many of the problems in the mature orchard. Pruning and tree training are two of the more powerful horticultural techniques at the grower’s disposal.
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