In autumn, pruning apple trees plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of next year's fruit and ensuring stable, high yields. Autumn pruning typically involves techniques like branch spreading, thinning, and light pruning. These methods help improve tree structure, increase sunlight exposure, and promote better fruit development.
1. **Branch Spreading**: This technique involves adjusting the angle of branches that are not growing at the ideal angle. It is usually done before the autumn equinox. The main branches should be spread to an angle of 70–80 degrees, while secondary branches and temporary ones should be at 90–100 degrees. The exact angles may vary depending on the variety, soil conditions, and tree vigor.
2. **Thinning and Light Pruning**: Removing dense inner branches, backgrowth, upright branches, and competing shoots helps improve air circulation and light penetration. This also prevents excessive leaf stripping and avoids the need for heavy pruning in winter.
3. **Light Shearing**: Using light shears on new shoots or pinching off the tips of non-fruiting buds can reduce nutrient consumption, promote nutrient accumulation, and enhance flowering. This is especially beneficial for young trees.
4. **Autumn Fertilization**: It is recommended to apply base fertilizers in early September. At this time, the roots heal quickly and grow new fine roots, improving fertilizer absorption. Organic fertilizers are the main choice, with a small amount of inorganic fertilizers added. Young trees should receive 50–100 kg of high-quality compost and 1–1.5 kg of fruit tree fertilizer, while mature trees need 150–300 kg of compost and 2–4 kg of specialized fertilizer. The depth of application should not exceed 50 cm. For young trees, the trench method is suitable, while mature trees benefit from full-field spreading. If needed, trace elements like iron or zinc can be mixed into the organic fertilizer.
5. **Orchard Cleanup and Soil Turning**: After leaves fall, it's important to clear the orchard of dry branches, fallen leaves, and weeds, and burn them to eliminate pests and pathogens. Deep plowing the tree area before the peak of root growth helps wounds heal faster, increases deep root growth, improves water retention, raises soil temperature, and reduces overwintering pests.
6. **Pest and Disease Control**: Even after harvest, warm temperatures allow some pathogens and pests to remain active. Effective control measures include using insecticides like Xiaoling Po (1500 times) or DuPont Wanling (3000 times), and fungicides such as 1.5% new high-fat film or Bordeaux mixture. After leaves fall, applying 3° sulfur compounds can further prevent disease.
7. **Frozen Watering**: Watering should be done in mid to late November. The amount of water should be sufficient to meet the tree’s needs during winter and help kill some pests that overwinter in the soil.
These practices ensure healthier trees, better fruit production, and improved resistance to pests and diseases. By following these steps, growers can maximize their yield and maintain the long-term health of their orchards.
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