What is winter regulated pruning?

This is a method of pruning mature apple and pear trees to keep them at their current size, unlike traditional winter pruning, which allows them to get gradually bigger over time. When done consistently every winter, regulated pruning prevents trees eventually getting overly large and in need of renovation pruning, which can be a major undertaking over several years.
 
With this method, parts of the branch framework are removed each winter, to achieve gradual renewal. Selected branches are cut back to well-positioned younger branches lower down or removed entirely, so the tree’s canopy doesn’t expand. This branch replacement pruning also ensures continued good fruiting, as the older, less productive wood is gradually replaced. See photo below
 

Prune out older branches pruning to a younger a side branch lower down or prune out completely instead of just shortening them   ©RHS/Joanna Kossak

Suitable trees

Regulated pruning is suitable for apple and pear trees with a well-developed crown growing as free-standing bushes (trees with a short trunk), half-standard and standard trees. This usually means they’re at least seven to ten years old, depending on how well they’re growing and their rootstock’s vigour. If their growth is poor or their rootstock is more vigorous (such as MM106 for apples or Quince A for pears), you may need to wait longer, until the crown is fully developed, before starting this method of pruning.
 
Regulated pruning is suitable for spur-bearing, tip-bearing and partial tip-bearing apples and pears.
 
This method isn’t suitable for young apple and pear trees – instead begin with initial pruning, followed by winter pruning.

Apple and pears: pruning newly planted trees

Apple and pears: pruning newly planted trees

Apples and pears: winter pruning

Apples and pears: winter pruning

When to prune

Carry out regulated pruning at any time from leaf fall to late winter, typically November to early March, while the tree is dormant. Repeat the process every year.

Tools you’ll need

• Pruning saw – most of this pruning should be done using a pruning saw. These come in various sizes to suit different diameters of branch. Smaller shoots and branches could be removed with loppers, but a pruning saw generally lets you make more precise cuts
• Secateurs – for removing overcrowded spurs, if necessary
• Sturdy ladder – consider investing in a tripod (Japanese-style) ladder, as it’s more stable. There are also versions with adjustable legs for use on sloping ground
• Eye protection – to avoid injury from twiggy branches or sawdust
• Gloves – to protect your hands and improve your grip

Take great care when pruning high branches – a tripod ladder provides a stable base from which to work   © RHS/Joanna Kossak 

© RHS/Chris Lane 

1. Leave all the new growth intact, rather than shortening it as you would with traditional winter pruning. If left unpruned, shoots will grow less vigorously and will often form fruit buds. 
2. Prune out any strong shoots growing towards the centre of the crown to keep it open, but leave shorter, weaker shoots unpruned. These are likely to carry fruiting spurs. Keeping the centre open ensures better airflow, which discourages pests and diseases, and lets in more light to help ripen the fruit. 
   Use a pruning saw to completely remove any vigorous shoots growing into the centre. © RHS/Joanna Kossak

3. Look for branches that are too long and/or overcrowded – either remove them entirely or, better still, cut them back to a lower, wider-angled, outward-facing side branch. This side branch should be about one-third of the diameter of the one being removed. 
   Prune selected older branches to a younger side branch lower down.   ©RHS/Joanna Kossak

4. When deciding which branches to remove, bear in mind that the tips of the main branches should be spaced at least 40–45cm (16–18in) apart. Take your time, observing from a distance and from all sides, evaluating which branches to keep and which to remove.  
   Thin out any overcrowded branches   ©RHS/Joanna Kossak

5. If the tree is a spur bearer, check for overcrowded spurs (clusters of stubby shoots that carry the fruit). Ideally, they should be spaced 10–15cm (4–6in) apart, so thin out where necessary using secateurs, removing weak or overcrowded spurs.
6.  Look for any downward-growing shoots or branches positioned low on the tree that receive little light and could cause an obstruction. Cut these back to a more upward-growing side branch or back to the main trunk. Remove any shoots sprouting directly from the trunk. 
   Apple before pruning © RHS/Joanna Kossak

   Apple after pruning  © RHS/Joanna Kossak

Can I use regulated pruning on my overgrown apple tree?
Neglected, overgrown trees usually need to be renovated over several years first. Once the renovation process is finished, regulated pruning will help to maintain the size, eliminating the need for further renovation.
 
My tree produces watershoots after regulated pruning – should I remove them all?
Regulated pruning removes sections of the branch framework, so it’s normal for a tree to respond by producing a few strong, upright, unfruitful shoots known as watershoots. However, if you remove too much wood – more than 20 per cent of the canopy in one year – the tree is likely to produce an excessive amount of watershoots, so watch your pruning pile to avoid overpruning. 

There’s no need to remove all the watershoots though, as some can be useful, but do thin them out, as follows.

 In winter:

• Assess whether any strong, well-placed watershoots on older bare branch sections could be used as replacement branches in the future. If so, shorten them by about a quarter, cutting above an outward-facing bud, to encourage branching
• Leave some of the weaker (thinner and less upright/more outward-growing) watershoots unpruned if they’re not causing congestion of the crown. They may produce fruit buds and can develop into useful side branches
• Remove entirely any remaining watershoots that are 23cm (9in) or more, taking care not to leave a stub 

• Prune out any new watershoots that appear, as soon as you spot them