How to prune an ornamental apple tree?
The ornamental apple tree, Malus ‘Elstar’, is both decorative and fruit-bearing. In spring, it produces a spectacular bloom, and later in the season, it bears edible apples. Proper pruning ensures an airy crown, sufficient light, and a rich harvest.
Why is pruning important?
- Health: removing dry or diseased branches keeps the tree vigorous.
- Light and air: an open crown prevents fungal diseases and promotes flowering and fruiting.
- Shape: pruning maintains a balanced crown and prevents branch overload.
- Production: stimulates the formation of fruit buds for the following year.
When should it be pruned?
- Winter (January–March): the main pruning period, as long as there is no severe frost. This is when the crown structure is shaped.
- Summer pruning (July–August): removes vertical or excessive shoots, allowing more light into the crown.
Tools you’ll need
- Hand pruners for thin branches
- Loppers or a pruning saw for thicker branches
- Sharp, clean tools to prevent infections
Step-by-step pruning
- Remove any dry, diseased, or crossing branches.
- Open up the crown: keep a few main scaffold branches and cut competing ones.
- Shorten overly long branches just above an outward-facing bud.
- Remove vertical shoots (water sprouts) during summer.
- Keep the short fruiting branches, as this is where flower and fruit buds develop.
Tips for Malus ‘Elstar’
- Maintain a pyramidal crown shape: wider at the base and narrower at the top.
- Avoid heavy pruning in a single year – spread adjustments over several seasons.
- Prune young trees annually to establish a healthy base structure.
- Remove suckers or shoots growing from the trunk or the root base.
Summary
The ornamental apple tree ‘Elstar’ should be pruned in winter for shape and structure, and in summer to remove vertical shoots. An open crown with healthy, well-spaced branches ensures a beautiful tree, abundant flowering, and delicious apples every year.
