How to prune jonagold apple

Late winter to early spring, while fully dormant — December to February in the UK, January to March in the US. Use the open-centre or modified central-leader form. Each winter, remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches first, then thin congested spur systems to 2–3 buds and shorten new lateral growth by about one-third to an outward-facing bud.

Annually. Jonagold apple needs annual pruning to maintain an open, productive crown and prevent biennial bearing. Prune to remove crossing, dead, and congested branches, and shorten leaders to encourage spur development. Without pruning, crops diminish and disease pressure (canker, scab) increases in the dense canopy.

Use the open-centre or modified central-leader form. Each winter, remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches first, then thin congested spur systems to 2–3 buds and shorten new lateral growth by about one-third to an outward-facing bud.