Benefits of Mechanical Pruning Apple Trees

Washington State University researchers showcased a mechanical pruner at their cosmic crisp field day last week.

Regional Tree Fruit Specialist Karen Lewis said this newer method can help growers in a couple of ways.

“In this case, you are reducing the cost, and I don’t think there’s been any negative effect on returns due to fruit quality, size or number.”

And with the ability to adjust the settings on the pruner, it allows for some precision in the cutting while opening up the canopy for more precise cutting.

Lewis said there really isn’t a difference based on the particular system a grower uses, but there are some more challenging varieties, but none that are impossible.

“But with early training years one through three, you can set it up so that it responds equally to like a crips pinks which has beautiful flatwood.”

Lewis noted that some important factors when moving towards mechanical pruning are purchasing equipment that can be serviced in the U.S., and understanding the best timing for pruning.

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