Topping an apple tree refers to the method of picking off the tender tips of new shoots. This can promote the differentiation of its flower buds and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. The main part of topping is at the top, which needs to be pinched first. Remove the young tips, and then pick off the top 1-5 young leaves, leaving only the petiole. The picking time is usually 3-4 times in a row from May to June. This can effectively control the growth and promote flowering. It can also be picked in June. Topping again in the month can promote the development of secondary branches, which is beneficial to expanding the crown and increasing the level of branches.
The role of topping apple trees
Topping apple trees refers to the method of picking off the tender tips of new shoots. This can promote the differentiation of its flower buds and reduce the occurrence of diseases and insect pests. .
Topping apple trees can prevent excessive growth of some branches, and this method can ensure sufficient nutrition, stabilize the tree's vigor, and promote flowering and fruiting. After removing the top growth points, Branches can allow new branch buds to germinate, which are called secondary branches in cultivation. Increasing a certain number of branches is the key to promoting early flowering and fruiting of fruit trees.
The main part of apple tree topping
The main part of apple tree topping is at the top. You need to pinch off the young top first, and then pick off the top 1-5 young leaves. Only keep the petiole.
The apple tree blooms after topping
The flowering time of the apple tree after topping varies depending on the geographical location. In the north, it usually blooms in May.
Suitable time for picking apple trees
The time for picking apple trees is generally 3-4 times in a row from May to June. This can effectively control the growth and promote flowering. It can also be done in June. Topping again can promote the development of secondary branches, which will help expand the crown and increase the level of branches.
What is the appropriate height for topping an apple tree?
The height of topping an apple tree generally starts when the branches grow to 50-60 cm, which will not affect its growth and health, because at this time It is already in the growth stage.
How to topping an apple tree
1. Back branches and leggy branches:
If the apple tree does not control and utilize the overgrown back branches, upright and leggy branches in time, Branches and competing branches will become ineffective branches that affect the light. Summer topping promotes the formation of short and medium branches, which can be cultivated into a compact group of fruiting branches in one growing season, and the topping effect is more obvious.
2. Extended branches of saplings:
Apple trees grow relatively large in the sapling stage, and their extended branches can be about 1 meter long in one growing season. At this time, they can be used Topping promotes secondary branch shaping, accelerates crown formation, and increases the total branch mass. Extension branch topping is generally performed in mid-June, with a cutoff length of 40 cm. Extension branch topping generally needs to be performed every other year.
3. Topping fruit branches:
Topping apple tree branches when they grow to 10-15 cm can not only increase the number of branches, but also make the branches closer. It is compact and can also inhibit fruit drop.
Precautions for topping apple trees
The effect of topping apple trees is more obvious, and the method is simple and easy to do. It does not require high means, but it must Master the appropriate timing, otherwise there will be no effect. Topping should not be too early, otherwise the second branches will continue to grow vigorously and will not have a real effect of inhibiting growth. Topping too late will not promote more secondary branches.
Fertilization: After topping the apple tree, organic and inorganic compound fertilizers or organic fertilizers and compound fertilizers are generally applied. It is recommended not to use manure, especially if it is not fermented, and there are many pathogens and insect pests.