Summer Pruning of Apple Trees

Before 15th July note long whippy growth

Afterwards long growth removed to three leaves exposing fruit and wood to the sun

July and August are the best times to complete summer pruning of apple and pear trees both in the orchard and  trained cordons and espaliers.Fruit will be ripening and swelling in size, pruning the extension growth that has arisen this season will expose the fruit to ripen fully in the sun ,achieving its full colour and sweetness.
In addition this pruning exposes the tree's wood to the sun which will create more fruit bud for next year.
By pruning in late summer the trees energy is sapped because leaves are removed this shocks the tree into fruit production for next year, so even where there is not a heavy crop this type of pruning will encourage an unproductive tree to bear fruit.
Pruning in the winter time can result in vigorous growth, summer pruning slows growth and encourages fruit production.
www.adamsappletrees.co.uk