Do not forget to go to the apple tree

Topping out refers to the practice of removing the tender tips of new shoots on fruit trees in order to reduce apical dominance. In practice, it has been observed that apple tree shoots often regrow rapidly within a few days after being topped. This is especially true for the red branches of Red Fuji varieties, which tend to grow back aggressively, requiring multiple rounds of pruning. The main reason behind this is that gibberellins present in young leaves are transported upward after the shoot tips are removed, promoting continued growth at the top. However, research has shown that removing a few leaves after topping can effectively reduce this apical dominance. By maintaining a balanced tree structure, organic nutrients can be redirected to the buds on the top and back of the tree, helping them accumulate and eventually develop into flower buds. Therefore, several key practices should be followed: First, for strong and vigorous branches, in addition to using support sticks or scoring buds, when the branch reaches 10 centimeters in length, it should be topped by cutting back to a few leaves. Second, weak or poorly developed flower buds often result in thin, weak shoots. If these are not pruned in time, they may grow into large branches exceeding 50 cm in length. Third, when topping, for shoots less than 15 cm in diameter, leave 3–5 leaves at the tip. For branches over 15 cm, transfer 5–6 buds to the branch and cut back to 3–5 leaves, ensuring the petiole remains attached. When new shoots grow from the base of the branch and droop downward, they should be topped again and secured with a rope. Fourth, after topping, it’s essential to provide proper nutrition to support the tree's recovery and growth. Fifth, timing is crucial—leaf removal should be done before each physiological growth stoppage to maximize effectiveness. Lastly, always be careful when leaving the petiole, especially on thick or weak shoots. Avoid making blind cuts without understanding the tree's condition. Pruning should be done thoughtfully and with care to ensure long-term tree health and productivity.

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