First-year pruning
Generally, apples are cut back to 24 to 32 inches above
the graft union after planting. Trees may be headed back
higher if they are to be ornamental as well as fruiting
trees. However, fruit-bearing wood will be higher up
in the tree, making harvesting and pest control operations
more difficult. Heading newly planted trees at green
tip often gives more and better angled limbs from which
the scaffolds are chosen. If wide-angled branches are
well placed, cut them back to stubs, leaving one or two
buds. Remove obvious crossing limbs and suckers. Whitewash
or paint with diluted interior water-based paint to protect
from sunburn and reduce borer damage. Avoid water stress,
especially in the first 2 years of development. |  |
