[spud]

Hi All,

I have two apple trees that are in since last year, they are both about 6 - 7' tall, they both bore fruit this year, one has dropped its fruit and we have eaten them, the other is still holding on to all of its fruit, they look great!

I have been searching for clear instructions on how to prune these trees and haven't gotten the detail that I need as a beginner, perhaps someone on here can help, please?

I also have a redcurrant bush, a gooseberry bush, and a Plum tree, do I need to prune these too?

Thanks,  

[Gwiz]

there is a book called "pruning" written by the RHS that tells you in great detail how to prune just about everything. its about £13. i would love to give you the isbn number but try as I might I cant find my copy anywhere you could try "fruit" by Dr hessayon, nowhere near as detailed but it gives you the general idear.

[Heather_S]

http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/wildlife/factshts/apples.htm # a few written guidelines for pruning apple trees. We had one tree last year with no fruit and I'm a beginner pruner too but this year we have lots of apples on it.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0605/plum_pruning.asp # Pruning plum trees

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0600/cane_bush.asp # soft fruit bush pruning.

What things exactly are you having a problem with? I have an easier time helping people when they're more specific. I really pruned back some of my apple trees last year and you feel really bad about it but it seems to have done them the world of good. Very obviously better cropping this year than last.

[spud]

I knew you wouldn't let me down...thanks!
 

[Shambayango]

there is a book called "pruning" written by the RHS that tells you in great detail how to prune just about everything. its about £13. i would love to give you the isbn number but try as I might I cant find my copy anywhere you could try "fruit" by Dr hessayon, nowhere near as detailed but it gives you the general idear.

Is this the book you mean?

[Yorkie]

It's 17 years since the original post, so there's unlikely to be a reply to your post, Shambayango.

However, for others who may come across this thread afresh, I have a small book called "How to prune an apple tree - a guide for real people with imperfect trees" by Chloe Ward.

But now is not the right time to prune an apple. It should be done in the winter after the leaves have fallen.