How To Prune 1 Year Old Apple Trees | Modified Central Leader

[@ontariogardening]

I found this to be one of the best pruning videos out there for those of us with apple trees in containers. I was wondering what I should do with my 1st year trees this year, and this helped greatly. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything in detail! :)

[@DutchmansNursery]

Thank you very much for your kind comment! I'm glad to see that it helped you and others, that's the number 1 goal. I honestly love making these pruning video's, so there'll be many more to come this winter. :)

[@carolebuckle7977]

This is the best explanation on how to prune , but more importantly why? Thank you very much 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@DutchmansNursery]

Why prune? Well, in this case it's to encourage it to grow the way I'd like it to. Also, to prevent congestion, that'll prevent good air flow. I hope that answers your question. Thank you for your comment!

[@robkeller3431]

What happens if you chop the leader off all together? Will the tree stay short or will it grow another leader? I like the idea of keeping the apple trees around 4ft tall.

[@DutchmansNursery]

Apple and pear trees are always going to want to send up a new leader. You can do it and people have done it, but in a way you're fighting against what the tree naturally wants to do.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Are these all in pots? It’s interesting to see what’s in the pots. Looks like branches, strawberries, and I’m not sure what else, or if I’m right. Thank you! My poor tree was a Charlie Brown tree I bought, and it’s growing very “wonky”, the only word I can think of. I have to prune it now in July, because it’s got lots of apples, but the branches are hanging and it’s crazy-looking. I had to brace up some of the branches.

[@DutchmansNursery]

That's correct! They're in resin whiskey barrels, then I use branches, bark, etc as mulch around them. I also have 3 varieties of strawberry planted around them (2 pineberries "White Carolina", Quinault, and another pineberry called a "Hula berry". I also plant Crimson Clover and Cilantro as cover crops and pollinator attractors in the containers as well. You could consider tying the "wonky" apple tree to something its next to like a wooden beam to straightening it out. I've had to do that as well. I've got quite a few apple pruning video's you can give a watch if you feel like it'd help you.

[@thegardenguardians]

I'm running a Horticulture Consultancy in kashmir. Can we arrange a zoom meeting for our growers here?

[@DutchmansNursery]

Thank you for your interest, I definitely appreciate it. However, making video's is what I feel comfortable with currently, so If the growers in your area are having specific issues you'd like me to cover I can certainly see if I can turn that into a video.

[@thegardenguardians]

I totally understand your convenience brother. But I was thinking of making an interview type video with you and show our growers the difference in Horticultural practices. Maybe we can talk on nutrient management practices at this stage in apple crop. If you're comfortable then let's do it in coming days. Or else If you think of making a seperate video on your own, then that's also fine. But together it would have a bigger impact. As our Kashmiri growers are very much unaware about these practices and it would be an honor for us from your side. Much respect brother ❤️

[@DutchmansNursery]

@@thegardenguardians Sorry for the late reply. Your offer is honestly quite humbling, as I don't know if I'd be qualified yet to take on a more teaching role. That is my goal in the future, but I'd like more experience under my belt before I truly delve into something like that. With my video's I double check my facts, make sure I don't spread misinformation. Not being able to do that is quite daunting, as the channel grows, I gain knowledge that'll pass but I'm not there yet. Thank you again, and I hope you succeed on your endeavor!

[@thegardenguardians]

Most welcome. Anytime. Let's stay connected through this medium of information and spread true professionalism both ways. Kudos and keep going!

[@PradeepPradeep-ck3le]

Apple tree how long camig flowers

[@DutchmansNursery]

Last year (2020, the first growing season under my care) 2 out of 3 of the trees flowered. There wasn't enough pollination, so I didn't get fruit. However, As long as the conditions are right with good soil, good light, good watering, and it's big enough it'll flower for you. Generally when they're grafted, they can be big enough to flower after as soon as 1 or 2 years, but that's likely not the standard, just what happened for me.

[@suneetnirala7025]

Can we do summert cutting in 6 months plants

[@DutchmansNursery]

If you were to prune your apple tree now (summer), you'd do it to reduce the vigor of the tree. This can be done to keep a tree smaller, but I don't prefer to do that. If your tree is only 6 months old, I'd leave it to strengthen up until winter, to then give it its first prune. Hope that answers your question!

[@mikehackett9688]

Jesus get to the point stop stretching out the video

[@DutchmansNursery]

I'm explaining. If you feel like it takes too long, then feel free to skip ahead.