[greenhead]

Hi all,

Pruned this tree in February this year and no apples just lots of 'water shoots'  What do I do next to reduce this growth and hopefully get some apples next year?

Mike.

[mumofstig]

What about ‘water shoots’ –  these are the long straight shoots that spring up every year  to fill the centre of the tree’s crown and reduce air circulation and sunlight penetration. Tug these off in summer when they are soft and green. This way the basal swelling on each shoot, which contains many further shoot buds, comes away as well.  If left until the winter, the shoots will need to be cut (with secateurs!), and the swelling will be left – to produce multiple water shoots in the spring!

http://kentorchards.org.uk/advice/pruning/

[Salmo]

I am no expert on pruning but I do know that apples should be Summer pruned in August to cut back the excessive growth that you describe. I think you cut all the water shoots back to 2 leaves except where they are where you want a new branch. Pruning in the Winter removes shapes the tree and removes any diseased, damaged or crossing branches.

The other thing I know is that some apple trees produce their fruit at the tips of branches and others all the way along. Your pruning may have removed the fruit buds.

[greenhead]

Thank you both,  I've learnt something! - pull off the water shoots, not cut them.

[sunshineband]

Thank you both,  I've learnt something! - pull off the water shoots, not cut them.

I've learned something there too!!

[Lardman]

Thank you both,  I've learnt something! - pull off the water shoots, not cut them.

I've learned something there too!!

It's a new one on me too.   

Personally Id be hacking that back in late July as per Salmo technique, leaving perhaps 30% of the shoots and tipping back what's left by a third creating good scaffolding and fruiting branches for 2018.

If it flowered this year and didn't set - blame the late frost, if it didn't flower blame the pruning, if it flowered and set and you still have no fruit - blame the local wildlife