Content
Columnar apple trees are the result of a mutation of a common apple tree that occurred naturally. A Canadian gardener discovered on his very old apple tree a thick branch that did not form a single branch, but was all strewn with ripe apples.
This happened in 1964, and since then, biologists and botanists, interested in such an unusual phenomenon, have comprehensively studied the causes and consequences of such a metamorphosis. Agronomists and gardeners were no less interested in this case than theoreticians and, in turn, began breeding work to develop new varieties of columnar apple trees.
Description
In recent years, the popularity of columnar apple trees among gardeners has flared up and died down, there are both positive and negative reviews. Our article is for those who have decided to grow such small but very productive trees in their garden. Today we will talk about how to prune columnar apple trees correctly and at what time.
In order to carry out pruning such a seemingly simple job, you need to know the morphology of the plant, determine which parts of the tree will have priority in development, and which should be constantly pruned. The main morphological characteristics of columnar apple trees:
- columnar trees have a certain gene, which led to the creation of such an unusual structure;
- growth of hybrids differs depending on the classification of the rootstock on which it is grafted, these are five groups: super-dwarf, dwarf, semi-dwarf, medium and vigorous;
- roots - underdeveloped, superficial, their depth in the soil is up to 1 meter;
- branches columnar apple tree - located, in relation to the main trunk, at an acute angle, their growth occurs along the main trunk, without pruning the apple tree will look like a pyramidal poplar, lateral growths columnar apple trees are always thinner and shorter than similar branches of ordinary trees;
- the trunk is thickened, covered with many small branches, which are densely overgrown with leaves; flower rings are formed at the ends of the shoots;
- the upper growth bud is priority, Due to its proper development, the entire vegetation of the columnar apple tree occurs; it cannot be pruned; it must be protected from winter frosts and rodents (mice, hares, rabbits).
Some apple hybrids can be grafted onto vigorous rootstocks (Antonovka, anise). This is acceptable, but you need to know: such trees subsequently form a larger number of side shoots and take up relatively much space in the garden.When planting such seedlings, this nuance should be taken into account.
Rules for cutting and shaping
The columnar apple tree is always a low plant, reaching a height of 1.5 - 2.5 meters. It is formed into one main trunk; sometimes, for insurance at the beginning of the growing season, it is recommended to leave 1-2 lowermost lateral branches in case of loss of the apical bud. If this happens, then the tree is formed from the side shoot that is closest to the trunk. In this case, the slight bend of the apple tree will not be noticeable. The damaged top is cut off.
First year of planting
Over many years of existence, old trees become overgrown with many branches, their tops become inaccessible, as the plant sometimes reaches very large heights. The lateral branches of such giants are thick and long, the lowest of them cover a large space around the trunk, the roots occupy a significant part of the territory. Nothing grows under such trees, even thorough pruning does not help. Today's gardeners do not want to put up with this state of affairs; they are trying to remove the giants that have taken over large areas of their garden.
On the vacant plot, instead of one ordinary apple tree, you can plant up to 30 columnar hybrids, which will painlessly replace the old giant: they will not reduce the yield, ensure annual fruiting, and reduce the time for receiving the first fruits to 1-2 years instead of 5-7 years for the old varieties of apple trees that are familiar to us . Weigh all the pros and cons of growing columnar apple trees in your garden, consider a plan for planting seedlings, and calculate the required number depending on the available space.
Seedlings of columnar apple trees are purchased in early spring, immediately before planting in a permanent place.They are planted according to a pre-planned pattern: in one row (with an interval of 40-50 cm from each other), in several rows (50-70 cm are left between the rows) or in a separate column formed on trellises (see photo). Most seedlings do not bear fruit in the first year, but there are super-early varieties that manage to please gardeners with the first apples before the onset of autumn.
The first rule for pruning columnar apple trees is that no pruning is done in the first year. allowing the tree to adapt to a new place, grow stronger and by autumn give the necessary growth of 20-30 cm. The main task of this period is to insulate the seedlings for the winter in order to preserve the apical bud and the still weak plant itself from frost.
Pruning in the spring of the second year
Next spring is coming. The columnar apple trees in your garden have weathered the winter well. It's time to start pruning the tree every year. Pruning is done during the period when the buds are still dormant, but the trunk and small side branches have already warmed up and acquired the necessary elasticity. Prepare your tools: pruners or sharp knives, and go out into the garden, as the amateur gardener did in our video.
After watching this short video, you have already learned in practice how to prune young columnar apple trees. Our diagram shows how this looks theoretically; it shows a plant of the first, second and third years of life and, accordingly, the sequence of pruning lateral growths is schematically displayed.
The second rule for pruning columnar apple trees is that this work is done before the buds open. the peak is preserved in its original form.
Starting from the third year of life, the overgrowth of the apple tree with lateral growths weakens and gradually stops completely.The life cycle of columnar apple trees is not very long (8-15 years), it depends on the type of scion and the varietal qualities of the hybrid. Taking into account the fact that the tree begins to bear fruit almost from the first year of planting and bears fruit every year, this period can be considered normal.
Further formation and care
Trellis can be used to form columnar apple trees in the early period, when the trunk has not yet gained sufficient thickness and cannot withstand the winds on its own. For this, temporary pegs are used, which are removed as the trunk strengthens. It’s another matter if gardeners want to form some decorative figures from apple trees to decorate the garden. In this case, trellises are necessary to create the intended shape.
Experienced gardeners know the secrets of such formation, which, however, is also available to beginners.
Caring for columnar apple trees is simple, there is nothing unusual about it. The third rule is that, like all plants in the garden, they require: fertilizing, watering (if necessary), disease prevention and pest control. Main - correct and timely pruning in spring and protection from cold in winter. By following these rules, you will achieve the expected result - beautiful and healthy fruits will appear on your table every year.
Peculiarities
- The fruits on columnar apple trees are formed close to the main trunk. Their formation begins on the lowest branches, which are literally strewn with apples. Subsequently, this happens throughout the entire trunk of the tree from the bottom to the very top, only around the apical part small shoots form in the form of a panicle of leaves.
- Apple trees begin to bear fruit in the second year (sometimes during the planting season).
- The yield at the mature tree stage is up to 30 kg per plant per season, taking into account the planting density of columnar apple trees per 1 m2 can be collected from 130 kg.
- On one hundred square meters of land (100x100 m) you can place an entire apple tree plantation, or plant the same number of seedlings along a fence. They do not take up much space and do not interfere with other plantings in the garden.
Advantages and disadvantages
Gardeners who planted their apple trees at the beginning of the period of popularization of clonal apple trees can judge the advantages and disadvantages (in detail) now; in their opinion, such trees have their pros and cons. Their undoubted advantages include the following qualities:
- early fruiting of apple trees - no need to wait long for the first fruits to appear;
- annual fruiting - there is no periodicity, as with conventional varieties;
- compact planting - occupy less space compared to tall and branched apple trees;
- simplicity and convenience when harvesting - apples are at the level of human height, no stepladders or ladders are needed.
There are also significant disadvantages:
- fragility - columnar apple trees stop bearing fruit for 8-10 years;
- the taste of apples is inferior to the old, time-tested varieties of ordinary apple trees;
- neglected apple trees cannot be restored.
Selection work continues
The first wave of gardeners' enthusiasm for columnar apple trees has passed, conclusions have been drawn, sometimes quite disappointing, but work on selection and improvement of the quality indicators of such apple trees has never stopped. New varieties and hybrids have already been bred and tested, the development of which took into account many shortcomings in the creation of the first columnar varieties of apple trees.
Varieties such as Vasyugan, Ostankino, President, Valyuta, Iksha and many others are more winter-hardy, their resistance to scab and pests has increased, the taste of the fruit has noticeably improved, and pruning of branches has been reduced to a minimum. There are varieties and hybrids of different ripening periods, from super early to winter varieties. Scientific institutions and simple amateur gardeners not only in Russia, but all over the world are interested in creating the best varieties of columnar apple trees.
Conclusion
After reading our article, you can draw certain conclusions: is it worth growing columnar apple trees in your garden or are you afraid of the work associated with annual tree pruning? We assure you that the work of pruning trees is not difficult, it is carried out only once a year, and then throughout the summer and autumn you will enjoy their beauty and abundant harvest.
Your little child will independently pick a ripe and juicy fruit from a small tree, taste the taste of an apple, find out where and how it grew, and did not appear from your purse after visiting the supermarket. You yourself will be pleased that you were able to grow this miracle in your beautiful and amazing columnar apple orchard. Don’t forget, every person should plant at least one tree in their life.
