The University of Illinois Extension would like to remind residents to prune their apple trees in order to prevent disease and produce good healthy yields.
In a press release, Maurice Ogutu, University of Illinois Extension local food systems and small farms educator, said, “Pruning is the judicious removal of shoots and branches for the benefit of the tree. A pruned tree will have good sunlight exposure to all the branches, will be of a manageable size, have branches with wider crotch angles that support fruit load, have good spray coverage to all shoots, and bear good-quality fruit every year,”
Pruning in northern Illinois typically occurs between Feb. 15 and April 1 while trees are dormant. Pruning of mature, neglected apple trees is possible earlier in winter. Clippings can be made with hand pruners, lopping shears or a pruning saw. Heavy pruning should be done to neglected trees compared to those which are taken care of yearly.
“Generally, apples bear fruit on spurs that arise from branches that are more than one year old,” Ogutu said in a press release. “The first step in pruning neglected apple trees is to remove any dead, diseased shoots or branches on the tree.
“The second step is to prune upward-growing shoots such as water sprouts and branches that shade the lower branches.
“The third step is to prune downward-growing shoots as these shoots are very close to the ground, and when they become heavy with fruit, it may lead to fruits lying on the ground.” Branches should be three feet from the ground.
“The fourth step is to prune shoots and branches that are crossing because these shoots will whip and bruise the fruits, and some will be rubbing onto the other shoots.”
Ogutu serves Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. His specializes in fruit and vegetable production.
For more information, call 815-235-4125 or visit the U of I Extension, Unit 1 office, 2998 W. Pearl City Road.
Copyright 2011 The Journal-Standard. Some rights reserved
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