Here is how our overgrown tree looked after steps 1, 2 and 3 of our crabapple pruning were completed. See Crabapple Pruning in 4 Easy Steps: Overgrown Mess No More (Part 1 of 3) and Crabapple Pruning in 4 Easy Steps: Overgrown Mess No More (Part 2 of 3) for details. Now, we will continue onto step 4 reducing overgrown branches. We will also cover the sometimes needed step of limbing up.
CRABAPPLE PRUNING: REDUCING BRANCHES
The 4th step to restore this crabapple was to reduce the length of branches to bring them into the outline profile of the tree. Reduction cuts were done on branches to shorten them as well as to remove smaller branches that are growing in the wrong direction.
Reduction cuts remove a larger branch back to a smaller-diameter side branch. When making a reduction cut, you should make sure that the smaller branch is at least 1/3 as thick as the branch you are cutting. If it is smaller than this, it is more likely to die back. Reduction cuts are commonly used in training young trees.
SOMETIMES NEEDED: LIMBING UP
The final stage of this crabapple pruning could have been delayed till next year. But, I decided to remove the lowest level of branches now. While these were pretty well structured they were too low to on this tree. It was growing in a lawn area that needs regular mowing; therefore they had to come off. If your crabapple is in a bed of mulch and is not going to be growing into other plants you may not need to do this. After pruning them off, I don’t know why I debated as the tree looked much better without them.
While more could be done, I already removed over 50% of the tree’s foliage. Thus to not subject the tree to even more stress, this crabapple pruning session was ended. Further refinement can occur next time.
Amanda says
Thanks for the info Jim. I really appreciate the way you explain things. Your blog gives me all kinds of ideas and the confidence to try new things.
JD says
I just read your Crabapple Pruning in 4 Easy Steps. If you have the time, I have a crabapple tree that I would appreciate your comments on. I know what to do for your first 3 steps. However, for CRABAPPLE PRUNING: REDUCING BRANCHES, I am not sure what to do. Ditto on Limbing Up.
Would it be possible for me to send you a picture that you could mark up showing how best to do these last 2 steps?
Yes, the tree is not in the best of locations, but I do not want to cut it out and start over with a smaller tree.
Much thanks in advance,
JD
Ronnie says
I have a crab apple in the UK, it’s probably 40 years old, not been pruned for at least 10 and even then only half the tree was done. Any suggestions as to what not to do? Thank you ☺️
Jim says
Hire a arborist.
Ming Louie says
Thank you for a very informative article. My crabapple tree is over 40 years old, and I’ve done the first three steps over three years. Fear of hurting it has prevented me from making reduction cuts last year, but your article has given me the confidence to tackle it this February. I live in Michigan. Ming
Eliut Garcia says
When is the vest time to remove the suckers and how much time is needed between each pruning of the 4 process steps of a crabapple tree?
Eliut Garcia says
I meant to write best time.
Jim says
Mid Summer works good for all.
Myra Montgomery says
Thank you so much for an excellent tutorial in pruning. We have a crabapple tree that is well over 45 years and we’ve been a little slack in keeping up with the annual pruning – have missed three years, and it makes a difference!
Great advice – thank you – from southern Ontario.
MM
Tony Paluch says
Sending two pictures (before and after trimming). Will my crabapple tree still make it and should I do anything more with it. What will it look like in two years from now. Live in northern IL. Someone Please advise. It was very health before I butchered it.
Tony
Moira Halstead says
Thanks so much, a really useful guide for a novice like me…and what a satisfying job to get done.
tanya brennen says
We have built a house thst has an existing apple tree in the front yard. It is probably over 20 years old. It has been totally neglected and thick branches growing all over the place. The first year we were here it had a ton of good eating apples, and this year it barely produced 3. There was a large branch that was broken off by a black bear. If we cut the larger branches should they be sealed? I’ve been told that it can be cut right down and it will grow back up nicer. What would you suggest. Thank you
Robin Drake says
Thank you for your instructions. I have a huge crab apple that, while not totally neglected, was completely overgrown. Perfect timing as the weather has just changed in Michigan and now is the time for me to follow step 3.