First year apple trees

[TMIL]

I planted my apples from Turkey Creek Trees about a month ago. They have leaves all up and down the tree. Do I leave these on all year? I know I don't want branches that low, but I don't know the proper time I should take them off.

Anything else I need to do this first year?

Thanks!

 

[Turkey Creek]

Personally I leave all leaves :) initially. Leaves are the food factory for the tree. The only exception is to monitor the top of the tree and only allow one central leader to develop. Generally the top 2-3 buds make a jump for the sky, just pinch the growing points off the ones you dont want to be the leader.

Not all leaves you see along the young tree will turn into limbs. You can prune off any limbs you dont want next winter or if they are particularly vigorous I sometimes remove them later in the summer.

 

[TMIL]

That's what I was thinking, but I wanted to make sure. Thanks TC!

 

[Jordan Selsor]

Good question. I was wondering this myself!