[lazydayz]

I have some rather old apple trees, i would like to prune them.When is the right time?They were here when i moved in. So im looking for some advice and tips of what to do.Also i think one of them has a disease,the fruit on one of the trees has dark black spots all over them (they are different varieties)
id rather like to not use chemicals where possible.

Thanks

Lazydayz

[fontodi]

This might help
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1150.html

[fontodi]

This guy is also very good. I had a go at an old apple tree just last week so fingers crossed.

http://www.youtube.com/stephenhayesuk#p/u/110/_vkErr8ukOk

[verge]

A few articles here on this site as well.
I input "apple tree pruning" in the search box and brought up this baby
How to prune an apple tree without fear.

[lazydayz]

thanks for that guys

i do have a question about the frost,does it matter that there is still frost around if i prune?

I also identified apple scab on one of the trees thanks to your links.

[James Kilkelly]

Ask yourself the following question.......Do you reckon that we have had the last of the harsh -5 frosts for the year?
If you do, go ahead and prune, if not, hold fire.
You see, you could cut away the growth, the plant could then produce new buds, only to heartbreakingly have them scalded off by a late frost.
Your tree won't be killed or anything, so don't worry too much about it.
It is temps of -5 that will do the damage, so a week or so should see you in the safe zone...... but watch the weather forecasts all the same.

[lazydayz]

thanks james,yeah ill hold off so, its been around -5 at night easily up here im quite high up too.

[kindredspirit]

15th of March.