Advice on pruning apple tree

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I recently bought an apple tree on M26 rootstock. I'm not sure which way to prune after planting. I've uploaded two pictures with the top options. Would you prune right back to have one crown or keep the height and have two crowns.
Any advice would greatly received.
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1000007078.jpg
 

Oliver Buckle

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M26 is great for espalier and cordons if you have a suitable fence. With that in mind I would take out the centre growth at the top and take the one you have your hand on back to the first sideways facing bud. Otherwise it should make ten or twelve feet, so I think I would keep the top part of it either way.
 

oneeye

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Apple trees suffer from being planted too deep in the ground. One needs the root flair to be exposed slightly above the ground for proper transpiration of the gases from the roots. Trees planted too deep can run into a lot of problems later in the trees growing Seasons.

AI Can apple trees be planted too deep in the ground.

Yes, apple trees can be planted too deep in the ground. Planting an apple tree too deep can cause bark deterioration and eventually kill the tree.

Explanation
  • Soil moisture: Planting a tree too deep can cause too much soil moisture around the trunk, which can lead to bark decay.

  • Root girdling: Planting a tree too deep can cause root girdling, which can kill the tree.

  • Mulch: Mulch piled on top of a tree that's already planted too deep can make the problem worse.
Planting depth

  • The ideal planting depth for an apple tree depends on the type of rootstock.
  • For seedlings or standard apple trees, the planting depth should be 1-2 inches below ground level.
  • For dwarf or semi-dwarf apple trees, the planting depth should be 3-4 inches above ground level.

Other tips for planting apple trees
  • Plant apple trees in a sunny location.

  • Test the soil's pH and make sure it's between 6 and 7.

  • Avoid planting in areas where water stands for several hours after a rain. Google

  • Space apple trees apart depending on the rootstock and variety
 

cpp gardener

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I would go for option A, except remove all but 4 evenly spaced branches. The lowest one should be about 18" above the graft. Spread them evenly around the trunk so that none are directly above another. Those will be the permanent scaffold branches and any new sprouts on the trunk need to be removed. You should be able to pick all of the fruit while standing on the ground. No ladder needed.
 

Oliver Buckle

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I am pretty sure others will come, but in the meantime try 'Pruning apple trees' in the 'search', top right. I put it in, and although there is a lot of irrelevant stuff there are several threads a bit further down that look as though they may well be useful.
Have you considered timing? I am not certain, but I would expect to prune in late Summer or Autumn.
 
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I am pretty sure others will come, but in the meantime try 'Pruning apple trees' in the 'search', top right. I put it in, and although there is a lot of irrelevant stuff there are several threads a bit further down that look as though they may well be useful.
Have you considered timing? I am not certain, but I would expect to prune in late Summer or Autumn.
Thanks. I'll have a look. Now is apparently the best time to prune when the tree is dormant
 

Oliver Buckle

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Thanks. I'll have a look. Now is apparently the best time to prune when the tree is dormant
You are right. Some things, like plums, are better pruned when there is some activity to help them prevent disease getting in. Not apples.
 

smitty55

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I am pretty sure others will come, but in the meantime try 'Pruning apple trees' in the 'search', top right. I put it in, and although there is a lot of irrelevant stuff there are several threads a bit further down that look as though they may well be useful.
Have you considered timing? I am not certain, but I would expect to prune in late Summer or Autumn.
If there's one certainty with pruning apple trees it's that they should only be pruned when the tree is dormant. We have cold winters here so I do mine in March.
 

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