How to prune golden delicious apple

Late winter to early spring, while fully dormant, before buds break. Use clean, sharp loppers and a pruning saw. Aim for an open-center or modified-central-leader form. Remove inward-crossing branches, vigorous upright water sprouts, and any dead or diseased wood first, then thin crowded fruiting spurs to one per 4–6 inches.

Annually in winter; spur-thin every 3–4 years. Golden Delicious apple needs annual pruning to maintain an open canopy, encourage fruiting spurs, and prevent disease-harboring congestion. Prune during dormancy to remove crossing branches, water sprouts, and dead wood. Thin fruiting spurs every few years to sustain fruit size and tree vigor.

Use clean, sharp loppers and a pruning saw. Aim for an open-center or modified-central-leader form. Remove inward-crossing branches, vigorous upright water sprouts, and any dead or diseased wood first, then thin crowded fruiting spurs to one per 4–6 inches.