When is the Right Time to Prune Apple Trees?

The very best time to begin pruning an apple tree is when it has become mature. You will know that it is a mature tree when it is full and producing fruit. Then you will need to begin pruning once a year in the late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. Do not prune in the fall because if you do it will cause the tree to begin the growing process when it should be getting ready for winter.

It is best not to be too anxious to prune your young immature apple tree because this can retard the growth of the young tree. The best way to take care of any pruning needs of a young tree is to remove dead limbs and rub away at any unwanted or an over abundance of buds. This is better for the young tree rather then performing an extensive pruning.
The tools you will need for the pruning job are hand pruners, folding saw and a pole pruner for high up and hard to reach branches.

Keep all tools clean, sharpened and ready for use. You may need a step ladder too. When starting to prune your apple tree begin at the lower branches and work your way up the tree. Being careful not to cut into the branch collar, that is the wrinkled nubby area close to the trunk. But yet do not leave room for sucker limbs to grow by leaving to large of a stub. You will want to trim back any limbs that have begun to droop or sag. While pruning look for and remove any weak or over growth of limbs. Also as you move up the apple tree, completely remove any limbs that have out grown the normal size of the other limbs. When the tree is about ten years old it will begin to produce and grow what are called fruiting spurs. You can identify them by the way they look; they are elongated and slow growing. They also are noticeable because they become numerous as they begin to grow and they are old. These need to be removed so that new and stronger limbs can grow.

Pruning your apple tree helps it to grow strong, produce better fruit and it also helps to keep it from becoming diseased.
There are many types and sizes of apple trees to choose from. You will want to consider where you live before choosing a tree because not all trees will do well in certain climates. Another consideration is regular size or dwarf size apple trees and whether they are disease resistant. Disease resistance will help reduce the use of pesticide and to grow a more organic fruit.

Resources:
http://www.almanac.com/garden/fruit/pruning-apple-tree
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/fv_maintenance/article/0,,DIY_13825_2269645,00.html