Pruning of young Trees (Malus and Rowan)

Hello all

As part of the planting undertaken in September 2019 I had two young Trees planted, a Malus 'Rudolph' and a Rowan 'Joseph Rock'.

The Trees were supplied as 'Feathered', I believe that is the correct term.

The Malus is approximately 9' tall and the Rowan is approximately 7' tall.

There are branches all the way down the Trunk and I am trying to learn which branches I need to remove.

Could someone please advise on how to proceed?

The Malus 'Rudolph'



The Rowan 'Joseph Rock'



Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

I'll be interested to see what responses you get @Kevin Cowans! I have a similar situation here with a crab apple "Laura" and a rowan "Autumn Spire," both planted last year. Both those are meant to be of columnar habit but branches starting from the bottom of the tree is still looking a bit strange to me, right now....

 

Hello @Clare G

I agree, the trees do look somewhat odd at the moment.

I would rather remove the branches when they are young rather than have to remove thicker branches later on.

I did find an article on the RHS website concerning Formative Pruning that mentioned removing the branches in the lower third of the trunk in the first year but then I saw another article which contradicted it, so.....

Hopefully, someone can provide advice for our similar issue.

Thanks

Kevin

 

Hello all

It has stopped raining so I have added photos to the first Post.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Hi Kevin,

If you want easily manageable trees I would suggest nipping that top leader off the malus. This should encourage the tree to concentrate growth in the lower, more accessible branches which can then be maintained more easily in the future.

May I suggest the book 'The Pruning Specialist' by David Squire. You may find it useful in the future.