How to Prune Dwarf Apple Trees
Pruning fruit trees is absolutely essential to their health and productivity. Proper pruning protects branches from breakage caused by the weight of ripening fruit, opens the center of the tree to light and air circulation, and discourages diseases from starting. Dwarf trees are perhaps the easiest to prune, simply because of their shorter stature.
Timing is the first thing to consider when pruning a tree. All fruit trees, dwarfs included, must be pruned when they are dormant. In the fall, trees move the nutrients in their leaves deep into their roots. This is the food-store that will see them through the winter. Cutting off branches still heavy with leaves deprives the tree of the food it worked all summer to make. Pruning should, therefore, be done in late fall or, at latest, early winter.
The first order of business when pruning is to remove dead or damaged branches. Healthy branches that require cutting should be cut a quarter of an inch above an out-facing bud. The branch will use this bud as its new growing tip. Cutting it in other places will cause the growing end of the branch to die.
The next most important objective when pruning the dwarf apple tree is to establish a strong central leader. This means that a single, central branch should be chosen to be the top-most branch. The tree will put its energy into this branch and grow a strong, straight, central trunk. Side branches that compete with the central leader, must be shortened or removed.
Once the central leader has been established, concentrate on the side branches. Chose four to six widely spaced, straight branches to become the main fruit-bearing branches. Remove all the competing smaller branches and the dwarf apple will be ready to bear fruit for many years to come.