For many of us, fall is prime time for apple picking, though orchards are typically the destination to pick these seasonal fruits. If you're lucky enough to have your own trees growing in your backyard, then apple picking is likely a daily ritual in the autumn; Gwyneth Paltrow likes to pick hers before breakfast.
In her latest instalment of her Boyfriend Breakfast series on Instagram, the Goop founder ventured to her lush orchard to pick fresh apples for a baked Dutch pancake, and let's just say we are inspired.
Her apple tree is bright green and abundant with red fruits, meaning that Gwyneth takes excellent care of the tree. Gardening experts say that growing an apple tree and achieving tasty fruit care comes down to an essential task: pruning.
Shop fruit tree pruning essentials
A pruning saw is essential for tree pruning and offers an ideal solution for pruning tree branches that are too large for other pruners or loppers. This pruning saw has a 10" blade for cutting branches up to 5-6" in diameter, perfect for any kind of fruit tree.
These mid-cuff gloves are great for protecting your wrists without the suffocation and limited mobility of full-sleeve thornproof gloves. They're a garden essential, all year around.
Sharpening pruning shears, along with the blades of loppers, hedge shears, and snips, will make any pruning simpler and protect plants. Regularly sharpening tools is vital, and having a sharpening stone is handy to carry in any pocket or tool bag to maintain tools on the go in the garden.
First and foremost, you will need some tools to keep your apple tree healthy.
'Good secateurs, a strong pair of gloves, a pruning saw and a sturdy, reliable ladder, are all essential to successfully pruning fruit trees,' explains Gerry Edwards, orchard expert at Henchman. 'When looking for a tool, make sure that the blade is sharp and clean, and that the tool is comfortable to use.'
Once you have your accessories assembled, Gary recommends looking for any parts of the tree that should be immediately cut off.
'Generally speaking, the first step when pruning a fruit tree is to remove dead, dying or diseased branches,' he says. 'Then thin out the extra branches and shape the tree, heading back the remaining branches to encourage new growth.'
He continues, 'Aim to take between 10 and 20 per cent of the overall canopy off, working around the tree evenly. Don’t forget that you can always go back next year and take off more.'
However, don't get too ambitious with removal, as it can actually damage an otherwise healthy tree.
'The more you prune, the stronger the regrowth, so be careful not to prune too hard!'
