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August - Time for Pruning Apples?

Apple shoots have stopped growing, and trees have set terminal buds. Growth has been strong again this year after spring rains and moderate summer temperatures. However, much of the fruit is now shaded which will reduce colour at harvest maturity. Even well-pruned trees with open structures have this problem and would benefit from summer pruning.

Summer pruning, or as I prefer to call it, "August" pruning, is another management tool to manage vigour and improve fruit quality. August pruning is a quick haircut for the trees - only some the current season's growth around the fruit is removed. This is not the time to remove major limbs or make structural changes in the trees - leave that for next winter.
Removing leaves at this time removes energy from the tree, which can be a good thing for high vigour trees. However, it does reduce photosynthetic area, so is not recommended on low-vigour trees or on young trees that have not filled their allotted space.

Excessive amounts should not be removed, because over time, this would reduce the fruiting area of the tree. August pruning is best with done with hand pruners, and only standing on the ground - leave those ladders in the barn. Pruning from a ladder now is too expensive, and may cause bruising from dropping branches.

Avoid summer pruning if diseases like fire blight are present in your orchards. Your pruners can become infected with bacteria and your next cut will infect another tree. But if woolly apple aphids are a problem, summer pruning will reduce the populations and open the trees if sprays are required.

Time of summer pruning is important. Prune as soon as terminal buds are set, but do not delayed until late August or early September, or fruit may drop and trees may not harden off properly. Varieties that are prone to sunburn like Idared and Jonagold should be pruned early when fruit is smaller and less susceptible to sunburn. Be cautious about removing too much growth on Jonagold as it may affect the tree's ability to finish the fruit.

Generally, growers have found that the time they spend summer pruning reduces the time required to dormant prune. August pruning is a quick job to remove current season's growth, which will greatly benefit fruit colouring and finish on red apples.