Pruning is a crucial part of establishing a strong framework for young apple and pear trees. Proper formative pruning, especially in the first few years, promotes healthy growth and ensures a balanced branch structure, ultimately leading to better fruit production in the future. Here’s a detailed guide to pruning newly planted apple and pear trees.
When to Prune New Trees
For young apple and pear trees, formative pruning should be done during the tree’s dormant period, between leaf fall and bud burst. This typically occurs from November to early March. If you’re planting container-grown trees in late spring or summer, delay the initial pruning until the following winter to allow the tree to establish itself first.
Types of Young Apple and Pear Trees
Young apple and pear trees are available in three common forms:
- Unfeathered Maiden – A one-year-old tree with just a single stem, requiring pruning to encourage branching.
- Feathered Maiden – A one-year-old tree with side-shoots along the main stem.
- Two-Year-Old Tree – Often pre-trained to form a bush shape, with the central stem pruned to promote branching.
Goals of Initial Pruning
The goal of the first pruning is to create a well-shaped, free-standing tree with a trunk around 70-90cm (28-32 inches) tall, topped with a goblet-shaped crown that has an open center. This structure is ideal for domestic gardens and promotes air circulation, reducing the risk of disease. For taller trees (half-standards or standards), a taller trunk (1.2–2.1m, 4–7ft) is needed.
Why Prune Newly Planted Trees?
Although pruning may seem harsh since it removes a significant portion of growth, it’s beneficial for the tree’s long-term health. Without pruning, the tree may develop weak, long branches that bend under the weight of the fruit, or start fruiting too early on these weak branches, resulting in a poorly formed tree.
How to Prune New Apple and Pear Trees
Pruning an Unfeathered Maiden (One-Year-Old Tree with No Side-Shoots)
- After planting, cut back the bare stem to about 75cm (2.5ft) from the ground, making sure three or four healthy buds remain below the cut.
- For dwarf-rootstock trees (M27), prune to around 60cm (2ft) to stimulate branching.
Pruning a Feathered Maiden (One-Year-Old Tree with Side-Shoots) or a Two-Year-Old Tree
- Select 3-4 strong, evenly spaced, outward-growing side-shoots (laterals), aiming for a structure resembling an open umbrella.
- Cut back the main stem just above the chosen topmost side-shoot, ensuring the remaining branches are healthy.
- Shorten the selected side-shoots by half to two-thirds, cutting just above an outward-facing bud.
- Remove any other side-shoots below this to create a clear trunk.
Year 2 and Beyond: Shaping and Maintenance
Year 2 Pruning
- Select 8-10 well-spaced side-shoots to form the permanent framework of the tree.
- Shorten these side-shoots by one-third to one-half, cutting just above healthy outward-facing buds.
- Remove any unwanted shoots and any shoots growing into the center of the tree.
Year 3 Pruning
- Cut back the new growth from the main branches by about one-quarter.
- Leave the side-shoots, as they will develop into fruiting spurs.
Year 4 and Beyond
From the fourth year onward, pruning focuses on maintaining the structure of the tree and removing any overcrowded growth. At this stage, follow a guide for winter pruning of established apple and pear trees.
Can I Let My Tree Produce Fruit?
In the first year after planting, it’s important to remove any fruit that forms to allow the tree to focus on establishing its roots and developing a strong crown. In the second year, you can allow one or two fruit to develop if the tree is growing well.
Troubleshooting
Common issues with new trees include poor establishment or damage from rabbits. Protect young trees from such threats by using tree guards or fencing. Ensure the tree is properly staked and cared for to promote healthy growth.
By following these pruning guidelines, you can ensure your apple and pear trees establish strong foundations that will lead to healthier, more productive trees for years to come. For more tips on pruning and tree care, refer to detailed guides on identifying fruit buds, winter pruning, and space-saving tree forms.