Pruning is something we do late winter each year before the trees break bud. There is some light pruning that takes place in August, but it is limited.
So, why do we prune?
I learned early on that apple growers are “farming the sun”. It is important to maximize the sun exposure down the tree. Therefore, we must remove or shorten branches up high that will block light. This includes shortening trees that have grown too tall so they don’t cast a shadow over their neighbor trees.
General maintenance is necessary, just like you might do to trees in your yard. We keep a watchful eye for any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. They also remove lower branches that may get in the way of our equipment.
Good airflow through the branches means they will dry faster after rain or heavy dew. If we allow them to stay moist for too long disease organisms tend to set in.
Why now?
It is best to do the pruning cuts when the trees are dormant, but before they break bud and green tissue starts to appear in April. But we also have to ensure we’re through the winter deep cold temps. The cold temps can enter the truck through the pruning wounds and cause damage to the trees.
What happens to the trimmed branches?
All removed branches will be chipped or mowed to return their organic matter back to the soil. We grow organically at The Cider Farm and a key to organic farming is building healthy soils. Healthy soils yield healthy crops & livestock that yield healthy people. It all ties together.
