I cut back

[buckhunter10]

i pruned my apples yesterday. I had been told to cut back the main leader espicalky if it's growing like a whip. I did that right above a bud on a few.

Did I hurt the trees? It seemed like they had a lot that need cut back. Can you cut them back too far?

Just a worried apple tree learner. Thanks all

 

[Turkey Creek]

No real danger in cutting them back too far in terms of permanent damage, but no reason to ever cut them back shorter than where you want the next set of scaffold branches to form. On the more vigorous root stocks I would tip mine if it was over 2' of new growth in a season.

 

[buckhunter10]

No real danger in cutting them back too far in terms of permanent damage, but no reason to ever cut them back shorter than where you want the next set of scaffold branches to form. On the more vigorous root stocks I would tip mine if it was over 2' of new growth in a season.

Ahh thanks buddy! I was hoping you'd help me out!

 

[dogdoc]

Yea, you will be fine. The only time I prune the main leader is when I am planting a bare root whip. I want to try to equal out the root stock with the top growth.

 

[buckhunter10]

Ok one question have you all ever heard of "shocking" the tree?

I had an older timer tell me you need to cut the bottom of the tree with a knife on all the sides. Really easy but just cut the bark vertically, about 4 times per tree. Said this helps put energy into the tree and will produce fruit.

Ill be honest, I thought it was crazy as hell but I had to ask.

 

[Turkey Creek]

Ok one question have you all ever heard of "shocking" the tree?

I had an older timer tell me you need to cut the bottom of the tree with a knife on all the sides. Really easy but just cut the bark vertically, about 4 times per tree. Said this helps put energy into the tree and will produce fruit.

Ill be honest, I thought it was crazy as hell but I had to ask.

I have read about "girdling" a tree part way around to induce fruiting. I have personally never tried it and dont know what to think of the idea/practice.

 

[lakngolf]

I have heard of whipping okra but not an apple tree, but it might work

 

[buckhunter10]

well stark bros has a link to it as well. I just don't know if I can get myself to try it haha!


https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-tree-blooming-bearing-problems