Uploaded March 2013 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
This tree should have been pruned more carefully 2 years ago. Because it wasn't, it now has a very vigorous central leader and branches reaching well over 10 feet tall and climbing. This is no good for me as it would need a ladder to prune and pick. After careful thought, I behead and crown lift the tree and snip back remaining branches to upward and outwaard faving buds to convert it to an open centre half standard shape that will be easier to manage. This means sacrificing the 2013 crop-another lesson in thinking ahead and balance. One good pruning cut 2 or 3 years ago would have prevented the need for this.
This tree should have been pruned more carefully 2 years ago. Because it wasn't, it now has a very vigorous central leader and branches reaching well over 10 feet tall and climbing. This is no good for me as it would need a ladder to prune and pick. After careful thought, I behead and crown lift the tree and snip back remaining branches to upward and outwaard faving buds to convert it to an open centre half standard shape that will be easier to manage. This means sacrificing the 2013 crop-another lesson in thinking ahead and balance. One good pruning cut 2 or 3 years ago would have prevented the need for this.
