Garden Q&A: I want to prune an apple tree in February. Is it too late?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions 

Apple trees can be pruned throughout their dormant season. File pictures

Question

Is it too late to prune an overgrown cooking apple tree?

Answer

Apple trees can be pruned throughout their dormant season, which lasts from November until the end of February. 

I like to get it done earlier, in November or December but no, it’s not too late now.

In terms of the shape, what you want to achieve is a good open shape with no crossing branches. 

Winter pruning of an apple tree.

This is to allow good air circulation through the crown, thus reducing the risk of fungal infections during the spring and summer.

Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and remove any crossing branches as these will not only cause congestion within the crown and lead to poorer air circulation, but they will also rub against each other, leading to an open wound in the bark which provides an entry point for harmful pathogens.

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