How to Prune Roxbury Russet Apple Trees

The flavors of many heirloom varieties of apples are not readily available in grocery stores. Among these types is the Roxbury russet, an old-fashioned apple with a sharp, slightly nutty flavor that is unforgettable in cider or pies. Pruning this variety of apple tree is like trimming other varieties. The pruning process focuses on removing dead and diseased branches to concentrate the tree's growth on its healthier limbs and fruit production.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears or saw
• Ladder

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut thin, vertical water sprout limbs from the trunk or branches.

   • 2

     Remove diseased, dead or other limbs that cross from the tree.

   • 3

     Look for branches growing parallel to each other. Cut the smaller and weaker of the two from the tree.

   • 4

     Cut any weak or spindly branches from the top of the canopy that impede light filtration to the base of the tree. All leaves on the tree need light for growth.