How to rejuvenate the old apple tree

Young apple trees are always pleasing to gardeners for its beautiful views and abundant harvests. However, with age, the branches of the trees become brittle, they receive a large number of vertically growing shoots (tops). They absorb most of the nutrients, but it does not bear fruit.

As a result, yield is reduced, and apple gradually die. To prevent such negative consequences for the tree, it is necessary to carry out rejuvenation procedure.

Indication of any apple rejuvenation

In carrying out timely and regular sanitary pruning apple tree can produce good yields without the rejuvenation of about thirty years.

Understand the need for this process can be on the following grounds:

· The main branches of the tree are exposed, losing its fruit-bearing shoots.

· Small gains or complete tree stunting.

· Drying and dying apple tree branches.

· Changing the taste of the fruit.

· Almost complete drying of the treetop.

required tools

To carry out the rejuvenation process requires two saber, with small and large tooth. Also need some pruning shears.

Do not buy cheap samples, as they may be damaged when cutting the first branches of the tree. Qualitative pruner costs about 3,000 rubles.

Greatly simplifies the process of trimming the use elektrosekatora. But when you use it you need to be careful and strictly observe the safety precautions while working with him.

Be sure to use gloves. The best option will be the gloves with leather inserts, which protect the hand from cuts.

If the size of a large apple, you will need a ladder or stepladder. For security reasons it is recommended to purchase a safety belt.

Passing from one tree to another, a working tool must be washed in 12% bleach solution and cleaned with alcohol. This will prevent contamination of healthy apples.

The basic rules of rejuvenation pruning

Before the beginning of the rejuvenation of apple is necessary to conduct a detailed inspection of the tree.

Carry out pruning does not make sense if the central trunk of a tree began to rot, dry or has large cracks. In this case it is easier to cut apple.

Carry out pruning is necessary to meet the following rules:

· First of all, large branches are removed.

· Mandatory removal of diseased subject, damaged and dry branches.

· The number of tops after cutting must not exceed 10 units for the whole apple.

· The trunk should be cut so that its height does not exceed 3.5 meters.

This will improve the access of sunlight to the central part of the crown.

· In the process of pruning is necessary to periodically move away from the tree, the better to see the location of the thickened portions.

· For once, you can cut as much as 30% of the branches of the tree. process in a year can be repeated if necessary.

apple rejuvenation scheme

There are three main types of anti-aging pruning.

Disposable cropping

It is the toughest way of rejuvenation, as there is the risk of subsequent death of apple. With this method of pruning removes all the unnecessary branch located on the apple tree at that point.

Spend one-time only pruning in the spring, as at other times of the year the tree will not be able to recover from such injuries.

half cutting

In this case, the rejuvenation period is two years. The first stage is the shortening of a tree on the south side of up to three meters high and two meters wide.

In the second year the same is done with the northern part of the crown. With this type of pruning is left the strongest tops, keeping the distance between them of 0.7 meters.

gradual pruning

The term of such rejuvenation is 2-3 years. In this case, the excess part of the tree is removed gradually. The first step is to carry out sanitary trim and tops.

The following year, cut 3-4 large branches that did not bear fruit. Also remove the thickening and weave thin branches.

The last stage is the shortening of the remaining branches, so that they formed new shoots.