The formation of the crown of an apple tree is one of the most important measures carried out in the first years after planting a seedling. When pruning a tree, it is important to preserve as much plant mass of the future crown as possible and adhere to a strict rule: the branches located on the central conductor should not exceed its length.
The central conductor is considered one of the vertical branches, the most powerful and developed. It is taken as the basis for trimming the skeletal shoots located on it. Sometimes damage or death of the central conductor occurs, in this case, another strong vertical branch is selected, which in the future will perform its functions. In relation to the
trunk of the tree, the main branches should be located at an angle of forty to sixty degrees. Changing the angle of inclination in one direction or another negatively affects the formation of the crown of the apple tree, so these branches are either bent to the desired angle or cut off.
Another important condition that you need to pay attention to is the good illumination of the
tree crown. Each branch should have enough space and light for its growth and development. In this regard, weakened shoots, obscuring and taking away space from other, more viable, are mercilessly removed.
The formation of the crown of the apple tree is carried out in early spring, before the movement of the juice. The main condition for the pruning process is minimal damage to the tree. Branches need to set the right direction of growth and get rid of weak and clogging processes of the crown. During the summer, a lot of young shoots appear on the tree, which also needs to be removed or pinched.
Some species of apple trees grow rapidly in the fourth year of life. Such species must be given special attention and in time to get rid of excess branches that adversely affect the formation of the crown of
fruit trees. Such care for seedlings not only stimulates growth and early fruiting, but also provides them with a convenient form for care and harvesting. In addition, the trees look beautiful and well-groomed, especially if this is not a single apple tree, but collective placement in the garden.
In the sixth year, the formation of the crown of the apple tree actually ends. Tree growth slows down, active fruiting begins. During this period, the central conductor is cut or removed in the area located above the most developed and correctly oriented skeletal branch. The tree is freed from unnecessary and unproductive twigs, which are previously incised, and removed the next year completely. On the apple tree there must be at least five branches belonging to the first order.
In subsequent years, the formation of the apple tree no longer requires such close attention, it is enough to control the growth process and prevent thickening. However, tree care continues. In the spring, the apple tree is inspected, cleaned of dead branches, wounds inflicted by rodents during the winter are healed.