Formation of the apple tree crown is a necessary agrotechnical technique

The formation of the apple tree crown is one of the most important activities carried out in the first years after planting the seedling. When pruning a tree, it is important to preserve as much plant mass as possible of the future crown and adhere to a strict rule: the branches located on the central conductor should not exceed it in length.
The central conductor is one of the vertical branches, the strongest and most developed one. It is taken as a basis when pruning the skeletal shoots located on it. Sometimes, the central conductor is damaged or destroyed, in this case another strong vertical branch is chosen, which in the future will perform its functions. In relation to the trunk of the tree, the main branches should be located at an angle of forty to sixty degrees. Changing the angle of inclination in one direction or another negatively affects the formation of the apple tree crown, so these branches either bend to the desired angle, or cut off.

Another important condition that needs to be paid attention is a good illumination of the tree crown. Each twig must have enough space and light for its growth and development. In this regard, weakened shoots, obscuring and taking away space from other, more viable, are mercilessly removed.
Formation of the apple tree crown is carried out in the early spring, before the movement of the juice. The main condition of the trimming process is minimal damage to the tree. Branches need to be given the right direction of growth and freed from weak and littering of the crown process. During the summer, many young shoots appear on the tree, which also need to be removed or pricked.

Some types of apple trees are rapidly growing in the fourth year of life. Such species should be given special attention and in time to get rid of unnecessary branches that negatively affect the formation of the crown of fruit trees. Such care for seedlings not only stimulates growth and early fruiting, but also provides them with a convenient form for grooming and harvesting. In addition, the trees look beautiful and well-groomed, especially if it is not a single apple tree, but a collective arrangement in the garden.

For the sixth year, the formation of the apple tree crown actually ends. The growth of the tree slows down, active fruiting begins. During this period, the central conductor is cut or removed in the region above the most developed and correctly oriented skeletal branch. The tree is released from unnecessary and unproductive twigs, which are pruned beforehand, and the next year they are completely removed. On the apple tree there must be at least five branches belonging to the first order.
In subsequent years, the formation of an apple tree does not require such close attention, it is enough to control the growth process and not to allow thickening. However, the care for the tree continues. In the spring, the apple tree is inspected, cleared of dead branches, the wounds inflicted by rodents during the winter are healed.